Nankhatai is a type of Indian cookie or biscuit that is popularly eaten as a tea time snack or traditional dessert. It is made with a few basic ingredients and comes in a variety of flavours. Nankhatai has a rich history and is believed to have originated in India during the colonial era. This article will provide an overview of nankhatai, its history and origin, traditional recipe, flavours and ingredients, its role as a tea time snack, and a step by step guide to making nankhatai at home.

Introduction to Nankhatai Sweets
Nankhatai is a traditional Indian sweet that is commonly served as a tea time snack or dessert. It is a type of cookie or biscuit that is made with flour, sugar, ghee or butter, and a few other basic ingredients. Nankhatai comes in a variety of flavours, including cardamom, saffron, and almond. In this article, we will explore the history and origin of nankhatai, its traditional recipe, different flavours and ingredients, and how to make it at home.

History and Origin of Nankhatai
Nankhatai has a rich history and is believed to have originated in India during the colonial era. The name “nankhatai” is said to have come from the Persian word “naan” meaning bread and the Afghan word “khatai” meaning biscuit. It is believed that the Dutch brought the recipe for nankhatai to India during the 17th century, and it became popular among the Indian population. Nankhatai has since become a traditional Indian sweet that is commonly enjoyed during tea time.

Traditional Nankhatai Recipe
The traditional nankhatai recipe requires just a few basic ingredients that can be found in most kitchens. The ingredients are:

All-purpose flour
Sugar
Ghee or butter
Baking powder
Cardamom powder (optional)
To make nankhatai, the ingredients are mixed together to form a dough, which is then shaped into small balls and flattened slightly. The nankhatai is then baked in an oven until it turns golden brown.

Different Flavours and Ingredients of Nankhatai
Nankhatai comes in a variety of flavours, including cardamom, saffron, almond, coconut, and chocolate. These flavours can be added to the basic nankhatai recipe by incorporating different ingredients such as coconut flakes, chocolate chips, or saffron strands. Some variations also use semolina or besan (gram flour) instead of all-purpose flour. Nankhatai can be made with various ingredients depending on personal preference, and each flavour offers a unique taste and texture.

Nankhatai as a Tea Time Snack
Nankhatai is commonly served as a tea time snack or dessert. It is enjoyed with a cup of hot tea or coffee and is perfect for those looking for a quick and easy snack. Its sweet, buttery taste complements the bitterness of tea or coffee, making it a popular choice for many. Nankhatai is often served on special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and holidays.

Making Nankhatai at Home: Step by Step Guide
Making nankhatai at home is easy and requires just a few basic ingredients. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making traditional nankhatai:

Ingredients:

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/2 cup ghee or unsalted butter
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp cardamom powder (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).

In a mixing bowl, sift the all-purpose flour and baking powder together.

Add the powdered sugar and cardamom powder to the flour mixture and mix well.

Add the ghee or butter to the mixture and mix until a soft dough forms.

Shape the dough into small balls and flatten them slightly.

Place the flattened dough on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Bake the nankhatai in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Allow the nankhatai to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Nankhatai is a delicious and easy-to-make Indian sweet that is perfect for tea time or as a traditional dessert. Its rich history, variety of flavours, and simple recipe make it a popular choice among people of all ages. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can easily make nankhatai at home and enjoy it with a cup of tea or coffee.