lahkendi

Lakhkendi is a traditional sweet originating from the Indian subcontinent, particularly popular in regions like Punjab. It is a deep-fried pastry made from flour, often semolina or a blend of flours, which is mixed with ghee or oil and water to form a dough. This dough is then carefully shaped into intricate, often circular or star-like patterns. The shaping process is a key characteristic of lahkendi, with various molds or manual techniques employed to create the distinctive designs.

Once shaped, the lahkendi are deep-fried in hot oil until they achieve a golden-brown color and a crisp texture. After frying, they are typically submerged in a sugar syrup. The syrup can be plain or infused with cardamom, saffron, or rosewater for added aroma and flavor. The lahkendi absorb the syrup, becoming sweet and slightly chewy while retaining some of their crispness. They are often prepared during festivals and special occasions as a festive treat. The preparation requires patience and skill, especially in achieving the precise shapes and perfect frying.