Cookies form an integral part of tea time and are one of the best foods to munch on when craving something good and comforting. You'll be surprised to know that India has some amazing native cookies whose recipes developed over the years as a result of various cultural influences. Here are some of the Indian cookies that one must definitely try and not give a miss! (Images courtesy: iStock)
Achappam - Kerala
This is one of the specialities of Kerala and is popularly made during the Christmas celebrations. This cookie is also known as ‘rose cookie’ as it has a rose-like shape. Made with a blend of rice flour, wheat flour, eggs, coconut milk and sugar, this cookie is just amazing in taste. Sometimes, to accentuate the taste, Keralites also add spices like fennel seeds, cumin seeds, and sesame seeds in it.
03/8Khara biscuit - Karnataka
This popular biscuit is from the ‘Silicon Valley of India’ and is also known as Masala Biscuits. It is buttery and flaky and is savoury in taste and is one of the best cookies, you can have with tea. Not just in Bengaluru, but Khara biscuits are available throughout South India in Iyengar bakery which popularised these biscuits. They are made with all-purpose flour, yoghurt, ginger, and ajwain and are often flavoured with coriander leaves, chillies and curry leaves to increase the taste.
04/8Roth - Kashmir
Typically, a cardamom-flavoured biscuit, this is a popular cookie from the ‘paradise on earth’ and is popularly made on ‘Pann Deun’, which is an auspicious occasion for Kashmiri Pandits and is also known as ‘Vinayak Choram Te Aathwaar’. Kashmiri Roth is made by the eldest married lady of the house who follows a certain procedure for preparing them. These cookies are made using maida, chilled butter, sugar, milk powder, poppy seeds, coconut slices and flavoured with brown cardamom. These cookies are first offered to the Goddess of Harvest as a ‘Bhog’ and then only distributed among the family members. (Image courtesy: Instagram/@treasurepleasure1928)
05/8Nan Khatai - Gujarat
Believed to have originated in Surat, Gujarat, this is one of the popular cookies of India that have gained popularity over the years. This amazing cookie is enjoyed with masala chai and is made with maida, ghee, salt, sugar and baking powder. The healthier version of this cookie is made with a melange of besan, semolina/rava and wheat flour with sugar, ghee and baking powder. This cookie is made in such a way that it melts in the mouth in just an instant.