Indian NanKhatai Biscuits-A perfect snack for all occasions

Christmas Baking- Indian NanKhatai Biscuits

Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned evening tea with the most delicious Nan-Khatai ‘biskoot’?

The soft crumbly Nan-khatai brings back  a fond memory for many of us. Nan-khatai biscuits are Scottish-equivalent shortbread cookies popular in India. The word Nan-khatai is derived from Persian Word ‘Naan’ meaning bread and ‘Khatai’ from an Afghan word meaning Biscuit.

Let’s recall few of the most amazing childhood memories of the evening Adrak-Chai (Ginger Tea) with the super crumbly Nan-Khatai ‘Biskoot’ (Shortbread biscuits) dipping them in hot chai during the Autumn season. A melt-in-the-mouth biscuit, with the rich aroma of ghee tinged with the spicy flavor of cardamom, the Nan-khatai is a perfect example of Indian originality.

Remember those childhood trips to a bakery shop, their lovely aroma and sight of all the baked goodies could easily make anyone drool. Nan-Khatais were the most loved and popular amongst all.

Nan-khatai make a great homemade gift for holidays. So, this festive season, I am trying to go seasonal by baking these cookies with the hint of aromatic cardamom and the nutty crunch of almonds.

So, are you all set to welcome Santa? If the answer is a ‘YES”, then join me in baking these yummie-licious cookies while humming Christmas carols playing in the background.

So, wake up your palates, jazz up your Holiday evening tea with the most delicious Nan-Khatai cookie recipe that is so simple and delicious that you’ll want to grab the whole batch right away!

This holiday season treat Santa with some of these Nan-khatais and a warm cup of Masala-chai to keep the chill at bay, if he prefers! I am sure he would !!!

Indian Nan-Khatai Biscuits

Cuisine: Indian
Type: Snack
Preparation Time: 10 MINS
Baking Time: 15-20 MINS (180 DEGREE C)
Yields: 25-30

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup chickpea flour
1/4 cup Semolina
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup Clarified ghee or unsalted butter
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp green cardamom powder
22-25 almonds (slit into halves) (or pistachios slit into halves)

Method:

1. Preheat the oven to 180 deg C.
2. Take all-purpose flour, chickpea flour, semolina, cardamom powder and sugar in a large mixing bowl.
3. Add baking powder and mix well.
4. Add ghee or butter to the dry ingredients and mix well.
5. Mix everything together to form a soft, smooth crack-free dough. In case you see cracks, add a little more ghee and mix again.
6. Make small balls out of the dough and gently flatten them between your palms. Place almonds over each cookie.
7. Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper.
8. Place the cookie balls on the cookie sheet keeping some space between each and bake it in the oven for 15-20 mins.
9. Once the cookies turn slightly golden from the top, take them out of the oven and place on the wire rack for cooling.
10. Once cooled, Store in an airtight container.

Nan-khatais are ready to be served over a cup of hot Masala Tea or a Glass of Milk.

Happy Holidays everyone! Wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Very Happy New Year!

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