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In a cozy kitchen filled with the rich scents of cardamom and sugar, a culinary journey began. It was an adventure not just in baking but in embracing heritage and savoring the warmth of shared experiences. The mission was to create Gosh e Feel, traditional Afghan cookies that would leave a lasting impression on the palate and heart alike.
The day commenced with the careful selection of ingredients, each a building block towards the anticipated Gosh e Feel masterpiece: flour, salt, baking powder, cardamom, sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and a garnishing trio of ice sugar, more cardamom, and pistachios. Like assembling a puzzle, these components awaited their transformation into a work of edible art.
The kitchen became a workshop where flour was mixed with spices and sugar, creating a puff of powdery snow. Eggs followed, their yolks breaking into the dry mix, and a drizzle of oil weaved through the ingredients like a golden thread.
With the addition of warm milk, the once stubborn dough yielded, becoming soft and malleable, yet firm enough to hold its shape. It was a delicate balance, achieved through patience and gentle kneading for the perfect Gosh e Feel dough.
As the dough rested, the kitchen hummed with anticipation. Stories and laughter weren’t needed to fill the time; the promise of the Gosh e Feel cookies ahead was company enough.
Once ready, the dough was rolled and stretched, guided through the pasta machine to achieve the perfect thinness. With each setting, from seven to three, the dough became more delicate, more refined.
Crafting the cookies was like sculpting miniature treasures – bows and ovals emerged, each a testament to the joy of baking. They were carefully fried to a golden crispness, the oil’s sizzle a symphony to the senses.
Arranged on a plate, they were sprinkled with a dusting of ice sugar, cardamom, and chopped pistachios, each layer receiving the same loving treatment. The cookies became a mosaic of flavors, textures, and the sweet kiss of spice.
To accompany the cookies, cardamom tea was prepared. A staple in Afghan households, the tea simmered with fragrant spices, its steam weaving through the air, carrying with it the essence of countless similar moments.
With the Gosh e Feel cookies plated and the tea steeped to perfection, the time had come to indulge in the fruits of this labor. Each cookie was a celebration of flavor, a whisper of tradition in every crisp bite. The tea was a warm counterpart, its spiced notes harmonizing with the sweet crunch of the cookies.
As the day waned, the realization dawned that this was more than a baking endeavor; it was an ode to culture, to the art of creating something beautiful from simple ingredients. And though the kitchen emptied, the lingering aroma of cardamom and sugar was a sweet reminder of the joy that comes from creating Gosh e Feel, a reminder that would resonate long after the last cookie was enjoyed.
Tune in to a quick video on making this tasty recipe
Equipment needed to make Gosh e feel at home
Gosh e Feel Recipe: Crispy Afghan Cookie Delight
4
servings30
minutes40
minutesIngredients
Gosh e feel
- – All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, the foundation of our cookies, providing structure and substance.
- – Salt: A modest ¼ teaspoon to balance the flavors and enhance the sweetness.
- – Baking Powder: 1 tablespoon, the leavening agent that gives our cookies their characteristic lift and lightness.
- – Cardamom: ½ teaspoon ground, which imparts a warm, aromatic flavor that’s quintessential to these cookies.
- – Sugar: 1 teaspoon, ice or powdered, to sweeten our dough just enough without overpowering the cardamom’s fragrance.
- – Eggs: 2 large ones, which bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cookies’ richness.
- – Cooking Oil: ½ cup, for a tender crumb and the perfect fry.
- – Milk: 1 cup to bring our dough together into a pliable and soft mass.
For the garnish, we’ll need:
- – Icing Sugar: to dust over the cookies for a sweet, snowy finish.
- – Cardamom: an additional sprinkle to reinforce that signature flavor in every bite.
- – Pistachios powder: for a nutty crunch and a pop of color that makes our cookies as beautiful as they are delicious.
- Ingredients for Cardamom Tea:
- – Tea: 1 tablespoon, black or green as per your preference. Black for a robust flavor, or green for a more delicate touch.
- – Cardamom: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground or whole pods cracked open, to infuse the tea with its distinct warm and sweet flavor.
- – Boiling Hot Water: The crucial element that brings it all together, extracting the flavors and aromas of the tea and cardamom.
Directions
- Gosh e feel
- Begin with the Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking powder, cardamom, and ice sugar until well combined. This aromatic dry mix sets the stage for our cookies.
- Eggs – The Binders: Crack in the eggs and stir vigorously. You’ll notice the mixture starting to clump together as the eggs work their binding magic.
- Oil – For Tender Texture: Pour in the cooking oil and mix thoroughly. The oil will coat the flour, ensuring our cookies have a tender crumb after frying.
- Knead with Warmth: Now, it’s time to get hands-on. Start kneading your mixture, and gradually introduce warm milk. The warmth of the milk helps the dough to come together smoothly.
- Achieve the Perfect Dough: Continue to add milk slowly, working the dough until it’s soft but not sticky. It’s a fine balance; if the dough sticks to your hands, sprinkle a little more flour.
- Rest and Rise: Once your dough is ready, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature. This pause allows the ingredients to fully acquaint themselves with each other.
- Prepare for Shaping: After the dough has rested for a few hours, lightly flour your work surface. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to shape your cookies.
- Divide and Conquer: Halve the dough with a knife and mold each piece into a neat circle by hand, as demonstrated in the accompanying video.
- Rolling Out the Red Carpet: With a rolling pin, flatten each half to the thinnest sheet possible. This step is key to achieving that iconic crispiness.
- 10. Thin to Win: Employ a pasta machine to attain an even thinner dough. Gradually reduce the setting from 7 to 5, and finally to 3, observing the dough become almost translucent.
- 11. Shape the Delight: Cut the sheets into equal pieces and fold them into bows or oval shapes, or any shape your heart desires, as shown in the video. This is where your personal touch comes in.
- 12. Fry to Perfection: Gently fry each piece until it achieves a light brown blush, the color of autumn leaves at sunset.
- 13. Garnish with Grace: Place the fried cookies on a flat plate and shower them with a snowfall of ice sugar, a whisper of cardamom, and a scattering of pistachios.
- 14. Layer Love: If you opt for a multi-layered presentation, ensure each layer is kissed with the same sugary, spiced garnish.
- 15. Tea – The Final Touch: Serve these golden delights with a pot of hot cardamom tea, the perfect liquid companion to your crispy creation.
- Directions for the Perfect Cup:
- Infuse the Essence: In your favorite teapot, combine the tea leaves with the cardamom. This is where the magic begins – the union of two simple ingredients sets the foundation for a remarkable taste experience.
- The Pour: Over these, pour boiling water with confidence and precision. The water’s heat is the catalyst that unlocks the tea leaves’ and cardamom’s full potential, melding them into a harmonious brew.
- The Ritual: Serve the tea immediately while it’s hot, allowing the comforting warmth and the invigorating aroma to envelop you and your guests.
Recipe Video
Notes
- Equipment needed: Pasta Maker
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