How to Make Nankhatai: A Traditional Indian Biscuit

Nankhatai is a beloved and traditional Indian biscuit that can be easily made at home using a few ingredients. This crispy and flavorful treat is perfect for snacking or sharing with family and friends. Below, we’ll guide you through the steps to make delightful Nankhatai biscuits at home, ensuring your home baking is a success!

Ingredients Needed

1 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup ghee ( clarified butter) 1/4 cup ground sugar (or 1/2 cup if using ready powdered sugar) 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 3 tablespoons milk

Steps for Making Nankhatai

First, take 1 cup of sugar and grind it to a fine powder. Keep this fine sugar aside. If you are using ready powdered sugar or icing sugar, add 1/4 cup to it. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F).

In a mixing bowl or pan, combine the powdered sugar with 1/4 cup of semi-solid ghee (or butter at room temperature) using an electric mixer or blender. Cream the sugar and ghee until it becomes smooth, light, and fluffy.

Sift the following dry ingredients into a sieve: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup gram flour (besan), 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda. Keep the sifted dry ingredients aside.

Add 3 tablespoons of curd (or yogurt) to the creamed ghee and ground sugar mixture. Mix well.

Incorporate the sifted dry ingredients into the mixture. Additionally, add 2 tablespoons of rava (coconut flour or cream of wheat).

Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of cardamom powder and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg powder (or grated nutmeg). Mix these spices gently into the dough.

Begin to form the mixture into a dough. If the mixture is crumbly, add a tablespoon of milk at a time until the dough comes together. Do not knead as you would for chapati or bread dough. Just gather the mixture together to form a dough.

Using a spoon or spatula, pinch medium to large-sized balls from the dough. Gently flatten these balls in your palms.

Line a baking tray with a layer of ghee and place the slightly flattened dough balls on it. Make sure to leave some space between the biscuits as they will expand during baking.

Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the nankhatais turn a light golden or golden brown. The baking time may vary based on your oven, so keep a close eye on the biscuits.

After baking, remove the nankhatais from the oven and place them on a wire rack to cool. Wait for 2-3 minutes before handling them to prevent the sensitivities of hot biscuits.

Once cooled, store the nankhatais in an airtight container to ensure they stay fresh.

Conclusion

Creating homemade Nankhatais is not only a joy but also a rewarding experience. This simple and straightforward recipe allows you to enjoy a traditional Indian treat in just a few easy steps. Whether you’re baking them for a special occasion or simply craving a delicious snack, these tasty biscuits will not disappoint!