Nankatai

Nankatai Recipe - Authentic Indian Cookies with Flour, Ghee, Sugar, and Spices

Region / culture: India | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Nankhatai is a popular Indian shortbread cookie that is loved for its rich, buttery flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture. This traditional recipe has been passed down through generations and is a staple in many Indian households during festive occasions.

History

Nankhatai has its origins in the Indian subcontinent, with its name derived from the Persian word "naan" meaning bread and "khatai" meaning biscuit. It is believed that the recipe was brought to India by Persian and Afghan immigrants during the Mughal era. Over time, it has evolved to include local ingredients and flavors, making it a beloved treat across the country.

Ingredients

1 cup of maida flour
0.5 cup of melted ghee or butter
0.5 cup of powdered sugar
2 tbsp of chopped cashewnuts
1 tsp of cardamom powder
0.25 tsp of baking powder
0.25 tsp of saffron

How to prepare

Soak 1 tbsp of saffron in hot water.
Combine maida and baking powder.
Heat melted ghee and sugar until creamy.
Add the maida and saffron mixture to the creamed mixture, knead well, and form small balls.
Flatten the balls and place them on a greased tray. Bake in a moderate oven until cooked and light golden in color.
Serve the cookies once they have cooled.

Variations

You can add a twist to the traditional recipe by incorporating flavors like rose water, pistachios, or almonds.
For a healthier version, you can use whole wheat flour or coconut oil instead of butter.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cream the butter and sugar well to achieve a light and fluffy texture.

- Do not overmix the dough, as this can result in tough cookies.

- For a richer flavor, you can add a pinch of cardamom powder or chopped nuts to the dough.

- Keep an eye on the cookies while baking, as they can quickly go from golden to burnt.

Serving Suggestions

Nankhatai pairs well with a cup of hot chai or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

Baking

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ghee instead of butter for a more traditional flavor.

- Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Nankhatai on a decorative platter with a sprinkle of powdered sugar or chopped nuts on top.

Pairing Recommendations

Nankhatai pairs well with a variety of beverages, such as masala chai, coffee, or milk.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store Nankhatai in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warm.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Nankhatai contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Nankhatai contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Nankhatai contains approximately 10 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Nankhatai contains approximately 2 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Nankhatai is not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Nankhatai contains gluten and dairy.

Summary

Nankhatai is a delicious treat that is high in fats and carbohydrates, making it a rich indulgence best enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Nankhatai is a delightful Indian shortbread cookie that is perfect for festive occasions or as a sweet treat with your daily cup of tea. With its rich, buttery flavor and delicate texture, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a hand-written note passed down to me from my own grandmother, a delicate and precious piece of paper that had been carefully preserved over the years. The recipe was for Nankatai, a traditional Indian cookie that is rich in flavor and history.

I remember sitting at my grandmother's kitchen table, the scent of spices and sugar filling the air as she taught me how to make these delicate treats. She told me stories of how she had learned the recipe from her own mother, who had learned it from hers, and so on and so forth. The recipe had been passed down through generations, each woman adding her own twist to make it her own.

As I watched my grandmother deftly mix the flour, ghee, sugar, and cardamom together, I knew that this recipe was special. It wasn't just about the ingredients or the method of preparation – it was about the love and care that went into making each and every batch of Nankatai. My grandmother explained that these cookies were often made for special occasions, such as weddings or religious festivals, and were always meant to be shared with loved ones.

I watched in awe as my grandmother shaped the dough into small balls, pressing them gently with a fork to create a beautiful pattern on top. She placed them carefully on a baking sheet and slid them into the oven, the room filling with the warm, sweet aroma of baking cookies. As the Nankatai baked, my grandmother told me stories of her own childhood, of sneaking into the kitchen to steal a freshly baked cookie before dinner, of the joy and comfort that these simple treats brought to her family.

When the timer chimed, my grandmother pulled the golden-brown cookies out of the oven, their edges crisp and their centers still soft and chewy. She handed me one, still warm from the oven, and as I took my first bite, I knew that this recipe would become a cherished part of my own culinary repertoire.

Over the years, I have made Nankatai countless times, each batch a tribute to my grandmother and the generations of women who came before her. I have shared them with friends and family, watched as their eyes lit up with delight at the first taste of these delicate cookies. And as I pass the recipe down to my own grandchildren, I know that the tradition will continue, that the love and care that goes into making Nankatai will live on for generations to come.

So the next time you find yourself in the kitchen, looking for a special treat to share with your loved ones, why not give Nankatai a try? Let the scent of cardamom and ghee fill your home, let the memories of generations past guide your hands as you shape the dough into perfect little balls. And as you take that first bite, savor the flavor and the history that make these cookies truly special.