SAEDNEWS: Chickpea cookies are one of the traditional sweets enjoyed by Iranians during the Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebrations. They are easy to make and can be prepared without using an oven.
According to Saednews, Chickpea Cookies, known as Nokhodchi, are among the most popular and delicious traditional Iranian sweets. They are especially enjoyed during Nowruz (Persian New Year) celebrations and are often prepared at home for holiday gatherings. If you would like to make these delightful cookies yourself but do not have an oven, this easy no-oven recipe is a perfect alternative.
Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
Chickpea flour | 2 cups |
All-purpose flour | 2 tablespoons |
Powdered sugar | 1 cup |
Solid shortening or vegetable shortening | ½ cup |
Ground cardamom | ½ teaspoon |
Place the chickpea flour in a mixing bowl.
Remove 3 tablespoons of the chickpea flour and replace it with the all-purpose flour.
Mix the flours together and sift them three times.
In a separate bowl, sift the powdered sugar and ground cardamom, then add the shortening.
Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar and shortening until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and pale in color.
Sift the flour mixture and add it to the sugar mixture in three stages, mixing well after each addition until a smooth dough forms.
Gently knead the dough just until it comes together. Avoid over-kneading, as this may cause the dough to release oil.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dough for 8 hours.
Remove the dough from the refrigerator and place it between two sheets of plastic or freezer bags.
Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1 centimeter (⅜ inch).
Cut the dough into desired shapes using cookie cutters.
Line a tart pan or suitable tray with parchment paper and arrange the cookies on it.
Garnish the tops with chopped pistachios or poppy seeds, if desired.
Place a heat diffuser over low heat and allow it to warm up.
Put a metal ring or trivet inside a large pot.
Place the tray of cookies on top of the ring.
Cover the pot lid with a clean kitchen towel and place it on the pot.
Set the pot over the heat diffuser.
Cook the cookies for about 40 minutes over low heat.
Turn off the heat and remove the lid.
Allow the cookies to cool completely before handling them.
Arrange on a serving platter and enjoy.
These delicate, melt-in-your-mouth cookies pair wonderfully with tea and make an excellent treat for Nowruz celebrations or any festive occasion.
