Baked Goods

Afghan Sweet Rice Cookies (Baklava)

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Afghan Sweet Rice Cookies (Baklava)
Delicious Afghan Sweet Rice Cookies, layered with nuts and drizzled in honey syrup.

Afghan cuisine offers an array of delightful treats that captivate both the palate and the senses. Among these, Afghan Sweet Rice Cookies, reminiscent of baklava but uniquely their own, stand out as a testament to Afghanistan’s rich culinary heritage. These cookies are crafted with love using simple ingredients like rice flour and honey, creating a dessert that is both elegant and deeply satisfying.

“In every bite lies the warmth of tradition and the sweetness of home.”

Ingredients

  • 2 cups glutinous (sticky) rice flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter or ghee, plus extra for greasing
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 1 cup mixed nuts (such as almonds and pistachios), finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
Honey Syrup
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1 cup water
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, combine rice flour, all-purpose flour, and salt. Gradually add melted butter and water to form a smooth dough. Knead until elastic and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking sheet or line with parchment paper.

  3. Form the Cookies: Divide the dough into small balls, then flatten each ball between two sheets of plastic wrap using a rolling pin until very thin. Carefully peel off the top layer and place on the prepared baking sheet.

  4. Add Nut Layer: Sprinkle a generous amount of mixed nuts over each cookie, leaving about an inch around the edges. Fold the edges over to partially cover the nuts.

  5. Bake the Cookies: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

  6. Prepare the Honey Syrup: While cookies are baking, combine honey, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

  7. Drizzle with Syrup: Once cookies have cooled, drizzle them generously with the warm honey syrup. Allow them to soak up the syrup before serving.

Afghan Sweet Rice Cookies are a delightful treat that beautifully showcases the balance of textures and flavors found in Afghan desserts. With each bite, you’ll experience the crunchiness of the nuts, the softness of the rice dough, and the sweetness of the honey syrup—a combination that is sure to bring joy to any table. Whether served during festive occasions or as a simple treat with tea, these cookies are bound to be cherished by all who try them. Enjoy this sweet slice of Afghan culinary tradition!

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