Dewali Special - Kajjaya (ಕಜ್ಜಾಯ)

 Kajjaya is a sweet dish & cuisine of Karnataka, especially prepared during Indian festival of lights "Deepavali".  Here is my recipe for the preparation of this delicious sweet dish.

My Mother's recipe

Ingredients (makes 15 pieces)

• 2 cup jaggery (powdered)
• 2 cup rice flour (rice - washed, soaked for 1 hour, dried & grinded into powder)
• 1 tsp. each of white sesame seeds & poppy seeds (bili ellu & gasagase - optional)
• 1 tsp. cardamom powder
• 1 ripe banana (mashed)
• oil for deep frying

Method

• Heat a heavy bottomed pan, add jaggery powder and little water (about 2-3 table spoons) to make jaggery syrup (syrup to thread consistency)

• Add other ingredients slowly, mix well and set aside to cool

• Keep this prepared dough aside for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight)

• Divide the dough into small balls and press each ball on the palm  

•  Deep fry till golden brown (on a low heat) 

• Remove from heat, drain excess oil on a paper towel and serve hot as a snack.