Iranian rice cookies, also known as shirini berenji, are a traditional Persian treat that combines the delightful taste of rice flour with a variety of nuts, spices, and sweeteners. Often prepared during special occasions like Nowruz (Persian New Year) and Eid celebrations, these cookies hold a special place in Iranian cuisine. Their unique texture and distinctive flavor profile have made them a beloved delicacy enjoyed by people of all ages.
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IRANIAN RICE COOKIES (NAN-E BERENJI)
Two classic Middle Eastern ingredients, rice flour and rose water, come together in these uniquely textured special-occasion cookies. Brown butter adds just the right amount of richness.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Dessert & Treats Recipes Cookie Recipes
Yield Makes about 16
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a fine sieve with four layers of cheesecloth and set over a small liquid measuring cup. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until beginning to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until foamy, stirring occasionally, until butter turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, and milk solids separate into brown specks that sink to bottom, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and strain through prepared sieve, leaving solids behind. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In another small saucepan over medium heat, stir together sugar and 2 tablespoons water until sugar has dissolved, then transfer to a large bowl. Let cool slightly, then add rose water and stir to combine.
- Add yolk to sugar mixture and whisk until light and slightly thickened. Continue whisking and slowly drizzle in strained brown butter until thick and fully incorporated. In a medium bowl, combine flours, cardamom, and salt. Add to brown butter mixture and stir until thoroughly incorporated.
- Roll dough into 1 1/2-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced about 1 inch apart. Imprint each ball with the grooved side of a meat mallet, pressing to 1/4 inch thick. Dust mallet with rice flour as needed to prevent sticking. Bake, rotating halfway through, until edges of cookies just turn light golden, about 16 to 18 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
IRANIAN RICE COOKIES
The textured end of a meat mallet is gently pressed into the dough of these cardamom- and rose water-scented cookies to form a grid pattern.
Provided by the editors of Martha Stewart Living
Categories Cookie Cardamom Persian New Year Soy Free Peanut Free Tree Nut Free Bake Dessert Christmas Christmas Eve
Yield Makes about 16
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a fine-mesh sieve with 4 layers of cheesecloth; set over a small liquid measuring cup. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-high heat until beginning to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until foamy, stirring occasionally, until butter turns golden brown with a nutty aroma, and milk solids separate into brown specks that sink to bottom, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat and strain butter through prepared sieve, leaving solids behind. Let cool slightly.
- In another small saucepan over medium heat, stir together sugar and 2 tablespoons water until sugar has dissolved; transfer to a large bowl. Let cool slightly. Add rose water and stir to combine.
- Add egg yolk to sugar mixture; whisk until light and slightly thickened. Continue whisking and drizzle in strained brown butter until thick and incorporated. In a medium bowl, whisk together both flours, the cardamom, and salt. Add to brown butter mixture and stir until incorporated.
- Roll or scoop dough into 11/2‑inch balls and place about 1 inch apart on parchment-lined baking sheets. Imprint each ball with the grooved side of a meat mallet, pressing to 1/4 inch thick. Dust mallet with rice flour as needed to prevent sticking. Bake, rotating sheets halfway through, until edges of cookies just turn light golden, 16 to 18 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool completely. (Cookies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 days.)
Tips:
- Use high-quality basmati rice for the best results.
- Soak the rice for at least 4 hours, or overnight, before cooking.
- Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove any excess starch.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot for cooking the rice to ensure even cooking.
- Bring the rice and water to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer until all the water has been absorbed.
- Once the rice is cooked, let it cool slightly before adding the other ingredients.
- Use a food processor or blender to grind the rice into a fine powder.
- Add the powdered rice to the other ingredients and mix well.
- Shape the dough into balls or logs and place them on a baking sheet.
- Bake the cookies at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
Conclusion:
Iranian rice cookies are a delicious and unique treat that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. They are a great way to use up leftover rice, and they are also a good source of dietary fiber. If you are looking for a new and exciting cookie recipe, be sure to give these Iranian rice cookies a try.
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