khaj

Khaj is a term that can refer to several different things, most commonly a type of sweet pastry or dessert found in South Asian cuisine. These khaj often feature layers of dough, fried until crispy, and then coated or infused with sugar syrup, jaggery, or sometimes flavored with cardamom or nuts. The texture is typically crunchy and the sweetness can range from mild to intense depending on the preparation. Variations exist across different regions, with slight differences in ingredients and spice usage.

In some contexts, "khaj" might also be used informally to refer to small, fried snacks in general, akin to fritters or savory bites. The specific meaning is often determined by the regional dialect and the accompanying description of the food item. Without further context, the pastry interpretation is the most prevalent. These sweet khaj are often enjoyed with tea or as a festive treat.