Rajasthani Almond and Cardamom Cookies

Ingredients

While the original Italian Ossi dei morti cookies are typically made with hazelnuts and flavored with cocoa powder, this Rajasthani adaptation replaces hazelnuts with almonds and adds the aromatic flavors of cardamom and saffron. The use of these traditional Rajasthani ingredients gives the cookies a distinct flavor and a touch of royalty. We alse have the original recipe for Ossi dei morti, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (120g) almond flour 1 cup (120g) almond flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• A pinch of saffron strands A pinch of saffron strands
• 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter) 2 tablespoons ghee (clarified butter)
• 1 tablespoon milk 1 tablespoon milk
• 1/4 teaspoon rose water 1/4 teaspoon rose water
• Slivered almonds, for garnish Slivered almonds, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 8g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 11g, 9g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a mixing bowl, combine almond flour, granulated sugar, ground cardamom, and saffron strands.
3. 3.
   Add ghee, milk, and rose water to the dry ingredients. Mix well until a dough forms.
4. 4.
   Take small portions of the dough and shape them into small round cookies. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
5. 5.
   Garnish each cookie with a slivered almond on top.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
7. 7.
   Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Almond flour — Make sure to use finely ground almond flour for the best texture in the cookies.
• Saffron strands — Soak the saffron strands in a tablespoon of warm milk for a few minutes before adding them to the dough. This will help release their vibrant color and aroma.

Tips & Tricks

• For a more pronounced cardamom flavor, crush the cardamom pods and grind the seeds before adding them to the dough.
• If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of sugar slightly.
• To enhance the nuttiness, lightly toast the slivered almonds before garnishing the cookies.
• Store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.

Serving advice

Serve these Rajasthani Almond and Cardamom Cookies with a cup of hot masala chai or a glass of cold rose milk for a truly royal experience.

Presentation advice

Arrange the cookies on a beautiful platter and sprinkle some powdered sugar over them for an elegant touch. Serve them alongside a small bowl of saffron-infused syrup for dipping, if desired.