How to Make Chickpea Cookies Without an Oven / The Most Nostalgic Cookie for 1980s Kids

According to Saednews, No-oven chickpea cookies (Nokhodchi) are a simple version of the traditional Persian treat, perfect for those who do not have access to an oven. Below is a step-by-step guide to making them on the stovetop.

Ingredients

• Chickpea flour: 2 cups

• All-purpose flour: 3 tablespoons

• Powdered sugar: 1 cup

• Solid shortening or solid oil: ½ cup

• Ground cardamom: ½ teaspoon

Instructions

Step 1

Sift the chickpea flour. Remove 3 tablespoons from it and replace it with all-purpose flour. Mix well and sift the mixture 2–3 times.

Step 2

Sift powdered sugar and cardamom into a separate bowl. Add the solid oil to the sugar mixture.

Step 3

Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar and oil mixture until it becomes light, fluffy, and creamy. Gradually add the flour mixture in three stages, mixing well each time until fully combined.

Step 4

Gently knead the dough with your fingertips until it comes together in the bowl. Avoid over-kneading, as the dough may release oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.

Step 5

Let the dough rest in the refrigerator for about 8 hours.

Step 6

After resting, place the dough between two plastic sheets and roll it out to about 1 cm thickness. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.

Step 7

Prepare a pot for stovetop baking: place a heat diffuser (flame spreader) over low heat. Line a suitable tray or tart pan with parchment paper and place it inside the pot.

Step 8

Arrange the cookies in the tray. Sprinkle with sesame or poppy seeds if desired. Cover the pot lid with a clean towel to absorb steam, then cover the pot.

Step 9

Cook over very low heat for about 40 minutes. Once done, turn off the heat and let the cookies cool completely before touching them, as they are very fragile when hot.

Tips

• Use a standard measuring cup (about 250 ml) for consistency.

• Keep the heat very low to avoid burning the cookies.

• Do not handle the cookies while hot; they will break easily.

• Over-kneading can cause the dough to become oily.

• Lightly flour cookie cutters to prevent sticking.

• Traditional clarified solid oil can be prepared by gently melting oil over steam, chilling it, then bringing it back to room temperature before use.

Enjoy your homemade no-oven chickpea cookies with tea!