Nan Khatai is a classic Indian shortbread cookie renowned for its irresistible melt-in-your-mouth texture and delicate sweetness. This delectable treat is crafted from a harmonious blend of all-purpose flour, gram flour, ghee (clarified butter), and powdered sugar. Enhanced with the aromatic touch of cardamom, these cookies are shaped into small rounds and may be adorned with chopped nuts for added crunch. Baked to golden perfection, Nan Khatai is a beloved accompaniment to tea or coffee, offering a delightful balance of simplicity and indulgence in every bite.
Here’s a detailed recipe for making Nan Khatai:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (maida)
- 1/2 cup gram flour (besan)
- 1 cup clarified butter (ghee), softened
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder
- A pinch of salt
- Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios) for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
- Sieve the Flours:
- In a bowl, sieve together the all-purpose flour and gram flour. This helps in making the nan khatai light and airy.
- Creaming:
- In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened ghee and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This may take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Dry Ingredients:
- Add the sieved flours, baking soda, cardamom powder, and a pinch of salt to the creamed ghee-sugar mixture.
- Knead into a Dough:
- Gently mix all the ingredients until a soft and smooth dough forms. Do not over-knead; just ensure that everything is well combined.
- Shape the Cookies:
- Take small portions of the dough and shape them into small round balls. You can flatten them slightly with your palms or press them with the back of a fork to create a pattern on top.
- Garnish (Optional):
- If desired, you can garnish each nan khatai with chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios.
- Baking:
- Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between each cookie. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Cooling:
- Allow the nan khatai to cool on the baking tray for a few minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve:
- Once completely cooled, store the Nan Khatai in an airtight container. They are ready to be served with tea or coffee!
Enjoy these delicious Nan Khatai cookies with their delightful crumbly texture and aromatic cardamom flavor.
