Looking for a delicious and authentic Nepali snack? Look no further than the Newari Khaja Set. This traditional snack, popular in the Newar community of Nepal, features a variety of savory and sweet items served together as a set. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of the Newari Khaja Set, its ingredients, and how to prepare it.
The History of the Newari Khaja Set
The Newari Khaja Set has a long history in Nepal, dating back to the Newar community’s ancient traditions. The Newars, an ethnic group native to the Kathmandu Valley, are known for their unique cultural practices and cuisine. The Khaja Set is often served during festivals, celebrations, and religious ceremonies, and it has become an important part of Newari cuisine.
Ingredients of the Newari Khaja Set
The Newari Khaja Set features a variety of savory and sweet items, each with its unique ingredients and preparation methods. Here are some of the most common items you’ll find in a Khaja Set:
- Bara: A Nepali lentil cake made from black lentils, onions, ginger, and garlic.
- Aloo Chop: A deep-fried potato cutlet made from boiled potatoes, onions, and spices.
- Chhoyala: A spicy dish made from roasted meat (usually buffalo or chicken), onions, ginger, garlic, and spices.
- Samay Baji: A traditional Newari dish made from beaten rice, boiled eggs, smoked meat, soybeans, and various spices.
- Aloo Tama: A curry made from potatoes, bamboo shoots, and black-eyed peas.
- Aju/Wo: Sweet desserts made from rice flour, sugar, and ghee.
Preparing the Newari Khaja Set
Preparing a Newari Khaja Set can be a time-consuming process, but the end result is well worth it. Here’s how to prepare the various items in the set:
- Bara: Soak black lentils overnight and grind them into a smooth paste. Mix in chopped onions, ginger, garlic, and spices. Spoon the lentil mixture into small round cakes and fry until golden brown.
- Aloo Chop: Boil potatoes and mash them. Add chopped onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, and spices to the mashed potatoes and form small cutlets. Deep-fry until golden brown.
- Chhoyala: Roast the meat of your choice and shred it. Add chopped onions, ginger, garlic, and spices to the shredded meat and mix well.
- Samay Baji: Rinse beaten rice and soak it in water for 15-20 minutes. Boil eggs and slice them. Heat smoked meat and soybeans in a pan with spices. Serve the beaten rice, boiled eggs, and smoked meat mixture together.
- Aloo Tama: Boil potatoes and bamboo shoots. In a separate pan, heat oil and add chopped onions, ginger, garlic, and spices. Add the boiled potatoes and bamboo shoots to the pan and cook for a few minutes. Add black-eyed peas and water, and simmer until the curry thickens.
- Aju/Wo: Mix rice flour, sugar, and ghee in a bowl. Add water gradually to form a dough. Roll the dough into small balls and steam them until cooked.
Check out our Newari Khaja Set, a unique offering in Santa Rosa.