Khoujoor, (also spelt as Khajoor or Khajur) is a delectable Afghan dessert. This delicious pastry is made from lightly leavened dough, which is prepared with sugar, caramelized in oil and mixed with flour, yeast, and salt. After the dough is lightly pressed and gets Khajoor-seed shape it is deep fried. This popular Afghan dessert is served along with other traditional Afghan sweet dishes with fresh fruits and nuts. Khoujoor is one of the most popular Afghan desserts that are made for special festive occasions.

Ingredients

• ½ tbs dried yeast
• ½ cup warm water
• 4 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup vegetable oil or margarine
• 1 cup + 2 tbs sugar
• vegetable oil for frying

Method

Step 1

Combine the yeast with the warm water and set aside to soften. Sift the flour and salt together in a large mixing bowl.

Step 2

In a pan, melt the oil and sugar together.

Step 3

Pour quickly into the flour and stir rapidly to prevent the formation of large sugar crystals as the caramelized sugar cools.

Step 4

Then add the yeast mixture and the ½ cup cold water and mix to make a firm dough.

Step 5

Do not allow it to stand, but at once take a little of the mixture and form it into a ball about the size of an egg. Flatten this against the convex surface of a sieve to a thickness of about 1/8inch and a diameter of about 2 inches, then roll it up loosely and seal .

Step 6

Fry the cakes in deep oil until golden brown, remove, drain well and cool.