Kolcheh Nowrozi, also known as Afghan Kolcha E Berenji (Rice Cookies), is a traditional pastry enjoyed during Nowruz, the Afghan New Year. This flaky, sweet treat is made with a dough that includes flour, sugar, butter, and yogurt, while the filling is crafted from a blend of nuts like almonds, pistachios, and walnuts, along with spices such as cardamom and a touch of rose water. The dish is not only a delightful indulgence but also carries cultural significance, symbolizing hope, renewal, and prosperity. The combination of ingredients provides essential vitamins, healthy fats, and antioxidants, promoting heart health and boosting energy. However, due to its high sugar and fat content, it should be enjoyed in moderation to avoid excess calorie intake.

Ingredients:

1- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2- 1 cup confectioners' sugar

3- 2 egg yolks

4- 2 cups all-purpose flour

5- 1 teaspoon baking powder

6- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

7- 1 teaspoon rosewater

8- 1/4 cup slivered pistachios for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

  - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper (Butter).

2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:

 - In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and confectioners' sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

3. Add Egg Yolks:

 - Add the egg yolks to the butter-sugar mixture and mix until well combined.

4. Sift Dry Ingredients:

 - In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and ground cardamom.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

 - Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture and mix until a soft, pliable dough forms.

6. Flavor with Rosewater:

 - Add the rosewater to the dough and knead it until the fragrance is evenly distributed. Rosewater is a key flavor in Kolcheh Nowrozi and imparts a unique floral aroma.

7. Shape the Cookies:

 - Take small portions of the dough and shape them into small rounds or crescents. You can use your hands or shape them using cookie cutters for more decorative shapes.

8. Garnish with Pistachios:

 - If desired, press slivered pistachios onto the tops of the cookies for a traditional garnish.

9. Bake:

 - Place the shaped cookies on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.

10. Cool and Serve:

   - Once the cookies are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. These cookies are delicate when hot but will firm up as they cool.

11. Enjoy:

   - Your Kolcheh Nowrozi cookies are ready to be enjoyed! These cookies pair wonderfully with a cup of Persian tea or coffee, and they make a perfect addition to your Nowruz celebration.

Once cooled, store the cookies in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. Kolcheh Nowrozi cookies are not only delicious but also a symbol of renewal and joy during Nowruz, so share them with your loved ones to spread the festive spirit.

frequently asked questions about Kolcheh Nowrozi

1. How to store Kolcheh Nowrozi properly?

- To keep Kolcheh Nowrozi fresh, store the cookies in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain their softness and flavor for several days. If you wish to store them for a longer period, you can freeze the cookies. Just ensure they are completely cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to serve, thaw them at room temperature for the best texture.

2. Can the recipe be modified to be healthier?

- Yes, there are several ways to make Kolcheh Nowrozi healthier. You can reduce the amount of sugar or butter in the recipe. For instance, substituting coconut sugar or honey for regular sugar can lower the glycemic index. You can also use coconut oil or olive oil instead of butter to reduce saturated fats. Additionally, you can replace some of the flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber.

3. Can other types of nuts be used instead of pistachios or almonds?

- Absolutely! While pistachios and almonds are traditional ingredients, you can easily customize the recipe by using other nuts such as walnuts, cashews, or hazelnuts. Each type of nut brings its own unique flavor and texture to the cookies, so feel free to experiment with your preferences.

4. What are the plant-based alternatives for eggs in the recipe?

- If you’re looking for an egg-free version of Kolcheh Nowrozi, there are several plant-based alternatives you can use. Ground flaxseeds (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water) work well as an egg replacer, offering a binding function while also adding fiber. Alternatively, commercial egg substitutes, such as aquafaba (chickpea brine), can also replace eggs effectively in this recipe.

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the main ingredients in the Kolcheh Nowrozi recipe, based on standard measurements:

1. Unsalted Butter (1 cup):

- Calories: 1628 kcal

- Fat: 184g

- Saturated Fat: 116g

- Cholesterol: 488mg

- Sodium: 23mg

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Protein: 2g

benefits: Provides fat for tenderness and flavor.

2. Confectioners' Sugar (1 cup):

- Calories: 384 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 99g

- Sugars: 97g

- Protein: 0g

benefits: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.

3. Egg Yolks (2 yolks):

- Calories: 108 kcal

- Fat: 8g

- Cholesterol: 370mg

- Sodium: 24mg

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Protein: 5g

benefits: Add richness, color, and help bind the ingredients together.

4. All-Purpose Flour (2 cups):

- Calories: 912 kcal

- Fat: 2g

- Carbohydrates: 190g

- Protein: 26g

benefits: Provides structure and helps the pastry hold its shape.

5. Baking Powder (1 teaspoon):

- Calories: 2 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 493mg

- Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits: Acts as a leavening agent to help the pastry rise.

6. Ground Cardamom (1/2 teaspoon):

- Calories: 3 kcal

- Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 1mg

- Carbohydrates: 1g

- Fiber: 0.4g

benefits: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the pastry.

7. Rosewater (1 teaspoon):

- Calories: 0 kcal

-  Fat: 0g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits: Adds a floral aroma and flavor to enhance the pastry's taste.

8. Slivered Pistachios (1/4 cup, for garnish):

- Calories: 170 kcal

- Fat: 14g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Sodium: 0mg

- Carbohydrates: 7g

- Protein: 7g

benefits: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, as well as visual appeal as a garnish (optional).

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and exact measurements used. Additionally, the serving size of the cookies will affect the final nutrit