Embarking on a food adventure always brings tasty surprises, and one delightful discovery is Nan-E Gerdui, these super yummy Persian Walnut Cookies!
These cookies have that perfect combo of a delicate texture and nutty goodness, and guess what? They’ve been winning hearts in Iranian kitchens for ages. They are a symbol of warmth, celebration, and hospitality. With its rich history and distinctive flavors, Nan-E Gerdui frequently graces tables during special occasions and festive gatherings. Its presence becomes even more significant during Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which symbolizes a “New Day” and marks the beginning of the Persian calendar year. Nowruz, steeped in ancient Zoroastrian traditions, celebrates the arrival of spring and the rejuvenation of nature. This joyous festival extends for approximately two weeks, bringing Iranian families together for meaningful rituals and activities.
In crafting this recipe, I looked at various different versions. As with any recipe, this recipe has several variations. I wanted preserve its authenticity as much as possible, paying homage to Persian traditions. King Arthur’s recipe made the most sense to me, and I added my own twist to their recipe. It is super easy and quick to make and requires minimal ingredients. Here’s how you can make them:
Ingredients and Measurements:
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp white rice flour
- 2/3 cup walnuts
- 1/4 tsp cardamom
- A pinch of ground cloves
- 4 tbsp butter
- 6 tbsp confectioner’s sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt (if using unsalted butter)
- 3 tbsp additional whole walnuts for garnish
Now, I’ll spill the tea on my baking journey – I went for a small batch at first, just to test the waters before committing to a larger production. The outcome, however, exceeded expectations! Lesson learned – when something’s this good, don’t hold back! Doubling this recipe will yield approximately a dozen, if not a little over a dozen.
Preparation:
- In a food processor, combine 1/3 cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of white rice flour, and 2/3 cup of walnuts. Process the mixture until the walnuts are finely ground. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, add 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom, a pinch of ground cloves, and whisk to combine. Set aside.
- Using a stand or hand mixer, beat 4 tablespoons of butter until fluffy. If using unsalted butter, add 1/8 teaspoon of salt at this stage.
- Gradually add 6 tablespoons of confectioner’s sugar in stages, beating well after each addition.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and continue to beat until a cohesive dough forms.
- Remove the dough from the mixer and transfer it to a bowl. Chill the dough in the refrigerator for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) when you are just about ready to work with the cookie dough. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Baking:
- Once chilled, take the dough and form small balls. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each.
- Press a whole walnut onto the center of each cookie, gently embedding it into the dough.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the cookies are firm, but not browned.
- Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Your Nan-E Gerdui cookies are ready to be served! Enjoy the delicate flavors and share these delightful treats with your loved ones.
Pro Tips:
- Be cautious with the baking time to achieve the desired texture. King Arthur’s recipe calls for baking at 400 degrees F, but I baked at 375 degrees F for ten (10) minutes. Do not touch them. Just remove them from the oven and let them sit on the baking sheet as stated above. The result will be incredible! Slightly crispy on the outside and tender in the inside.
- The addition of ground cloves adds a subtle depth to the flavor; adjust according to personal preference.
- Feel free to experiment with the size of the cookies for variations in texture.
Embrace the journey into Persian culinary delights with Nan-E Gerdui, a timeless recipe that bridges the past and present through its rich history and irresistible taste.