Batasa, also known as Indian tea biscuits or Indian shortbread cookies, are a popular snack enjoyed with tea in many parts of India. Here’s a simple recipe to make perfect batasa at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup ghee (clarified butter), softened
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cardamom powder (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
This step aids in achieving the ideal texture—firm enough for a satisfying crunch yet delicately soft inside, striking the perfect balance for a delightful eating experience.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, baking powder, cardamom powder (if using), and a pinch of salt. This step helps in aerating the dry ingredients and ensures a smoother texture for the batasa.
- Add the softened ghee to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the ghee into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This process is similar to making pie dough or pastry.
- Once the mixture resembles breadcrumbs, gently bring it together to form a smooth dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as it can result in tough batasa.
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Pinch off small portions of the dough and roll them into smooth balls, about the size of a walnut or slightly smaller. You can also shape them into small discs if desired.
- Place the shaped dough balls or discs onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each batasa as they will spread slightly while baking.
- Using a fork, gently press down on the top of each batasa to create a crisscross pattern. This not only adds a decorative touch but also helps the batasa to bake evenly.
- Bake the batasa in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they turn light golden brown around the edges.
Monitor them attentively as they near the end of the baking duration to forestall excessive browning, ensuring they emerge from the oven with a golden hue that’s invitingly appetizing.
- Once baked, remove the batasa from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, store the batasa in an airtight container at room temperature. They will remain fresh for several days, although they are best enjoyed fresh.
Serve your homemade batasa with a cup of hot tea or coffee and enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!
Tips and tricks :
- Use Good Quality Ghee: Since ghee is a primary ingredient in batasa, using high-quality ghee will greatly enhance the flavor and texture of the cookies. Homemade ghee or store-bought ghee from a reputable source works well.
- Consistent Dough: Ensure that the dough is well-combined and smooth, but avoid overworking it.
Avoid excessive manipulation of the dough, as it may lead to a less-than-desirable toughness in your cookies.
- Chill the Dough: If your kitchen is warm, consider chilling the dough for about 30 minutes before shaping the batasa. Chilled dough is easier to handle and helps the cookies maintain their shape during baking.
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Uniform Size: Aim for uniformity in the size of the batasa balls or discs to ensure even baking. This will also give your finished cookies a more polished appearance.
- Crisscross Pattern: Pressing down on the batasa dough with a fork not only adds a decorative touch but also helps the cookies bake evenly by flattening them slightly.
- Baking Temperature and Time: Bake the batasa at the right temperature and time specified in the recipe. Over-baking can result in dry and hard cookies, while under-baking may leave them soft and doughy.
- Cooling Time: Allow the batasa to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.This technique ensures their delectable softness, striking a delicate balance
- Storage: Store the cooled batasa in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. Adding a small piece of bread to the container can help keep the cookies soft.
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with flavor variations by adding spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or incorporating ingredients like chopped nuts or dried fruits into the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Practice Patience: Like many baked goods, batasa may require a bit of practice to perfect. Don’t be discouraged if your first batch isn’t exactly as you hoped. Adjustments can be made to the recipe .