Roasted besan turning nutty in a pan, then ghee, cardamom and saffron filling the kitchen as the cookies bake: that smell is half the reason to make this kesar besan nankhatai. These eggless Indian shortbread cookies are golden, crumbly and dissolve on the tongue, which makes them ideal for chai time and Diwali gifting.
Nankhatai is one of most loved homemade biscuits, and this version swaps maida for gram flour (besan). A little atta adds wholesome depth, fine sooji gives the sandy crumb, and saffron-infused milk brings fragrance and a soft golden colour.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Reddot Besan (gram flour)
- ½ cup Reddot whole wheat flour (atta)
- 1 tbsp fine semolina (sooji)
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- About ½ cup melted ghee
- 1 tbsp saffron-infused milk
- ½ tsp cardamom powder
- ¼ tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Chopped pistachios or almonds, to garnish
Method
- Infuse the saffron. Steep a few strands in 1 tbsp warm milk for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Roast the besan( It's optional). Stir it in a dry pan on low heat until nutty and aromatic, then cool completely. Warm flour will make the dough greasy. Even if you dont roats besan you can add it directly
- Mix. Combine the besan, atta, sooji, sugar, cardamom, baking powder and salt.
- Make the dough. Add the cooled ghee gradually with the saffron milk and mix gently.Use only as much ghee as needed for the dough to hold together when pressed.
- Shape. Roll into small balls, flatten slightly and press chopped nuts on top.
- Bake at 160°C for 15 to 18 minutes, until lightly golden.
- Cool completely. They firm up as they cool, and that’s when the melt-in-your-mouth texture develops.
Quick Tips
- Add ghee a spoonful at a time. Too much makes the cookies spread, too little makes them crack.
- Keep the cookies small for even baking.
- Store in an airtight container once fully cool.
A few pantry ingredients and some patience at the stove are all it takes to make fragrant, homemade Indian sweets. Serve them with masala chai or pack them into a festive gift tin.
Shop Fresh Ingredients at Reddot Food
Get fresh besan & atta from Reddot Food and bake a fresh batch of kesar besan nankhatai to enjoy with a warm cup of chai. Shop now at reddotfood.store.
