Khagineh is one of Iran’s traditional desserts that is prepared in various forms. Today, in the cooking section, we’ll show you how to make “Cigarette-Style Khagineh.” Khagineh is a great option for Iftar (breaking the fast).
Qayqanakh is a delicious dessert or breakfast dish, also known as Khagineh. In Persian, Khagineh or Khaygineh refers to a dish made by beating egg yolks and whites and frying them in oil. The main ingredients of Khagineh are flour and eggs.
Qayqanakh (or Qayqanaq) is a thin type of Khagineh traditionally made in Zanjan and Tabriz, served for breakfast alongside tea. What makes Zanjani Khagineh different from other types is that no syrup is poured over it afterward. Instead, sugar is added to the batter from the beginning to give it a sweet flavor.
For a complete, step-by-step recipe of Cigarette-Style Khagineh, read on below:
Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
Egg | 1 |
Flour | 2 cups |
Vegetable oil | 1/2 cup |
Milk or yogurt | 1/2 cup |
Baking powder | 1 tsp |
Sugar | 1 cup |
Water | 1 cup |
Lemon juice | 1 tsp |
Brewed saffron | As needed |
Prepare the batter:
Beat the egg well. Add oil and milk (or yogurt) and mix thoroughly.
Add dry ingredients:
Sift the flour and baking powder together, then gradually add to the mixture. Knead until you get a smooth dough.
Let it rest:
Cover and let the dough rest for 1 hour.
Shape the dough:
Roll out the dough thinly and cut into strips. Wrap each strip around a thick skewer (like those used for kebabs).
Seal the edges:
Lightly wet your fingers and press the ends of the dough onto the skewers to fix them in place.
Fry the rolls:
Heat oil over medium heat. Fry the wrapped dough until golden, ensuring the heat is not too high to avoid burning.
Soak in saffron syrup:
Mix all the syrup ingredients (sugar, water, lemon juice, saffron) in a pot and bring to a simmer until it thickens. Let it cool. Dip the fried Khagineh rolls in the syrup, coat well, then remove.
Serve:
Arrange on a serving plate and garnish with slivered pistachios.
Enjoy this unique and tasty Iranian treat—perfect for breakfast or dessert!
