This nostalgic childhood snack is sure to make you go nuts after taking the first bite. Its crunchy and sweet taste makes quite the desired snack, especially among kids (not so much if you’ve got dentures though). The snack is lightweight and brown and leaves a lasting nutty taste in your mouth.
Origins
It is difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of nut crush but there are links that show that it was first made during the 16th century. There are three known places that may have been its origin home: The Netherlands, Italy, and India. Three different cookies, all similar to nut crush in appearance but the ingredients vary.
Kruidnoten
Photo of Kruidnoten. Photo Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/snacknieuws/30718715942
This is the name given to a hard cookie which bears a striking resemblance to nut crush, They are commonly made and eaten in Belgium and The Netherlands. The cookie was first mentioned in a Dutch cookbook in 1864. The sweet was often consumed during the Dutch tradition of Sinterklass which is basically a version of Santa Claus. Kruidnotens along with other sweets were thrown and kids would rush in gleefully to gather them from off of the ground, however, it isn’t that common to see that occurring now since it is considered unsanitary. The main ingredients in Kruidnotens are flour, brown sugar, butter, pepper, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, cardamom, and nutmeg.
Fun Fact – Kruidnoten translates to gingerbread buttons due to their dome-like shape which resembles a button
Amaretti Biscuits
These are Italian macaroons that originated in Venice during the late Renaissance (17th Century) and it has been widely consumed in Italy for hundreds of years. It is traditionally made using almond paste, sugar, and egg whites. The Amaretti Biscuits were dipped in beverages, such as coffee before they were consumed. The Lazzaroni family was the first to make and distribute amaretti biscuits in the year 1719.
Photo of Amaretti Biscuits. Photo Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/polkaroo/26379926152
Fun Fact: “Amaro” is Italian for Bitter and the word “Amaretti” translates to “The little bitter ones”
Nankhatai
This biscuit is a popular shortbread biscuit that originated within the subcontinent of India. It is believed to have come from Surat (A city in Western India Regions) in the 16th century when Dutch and Indians were prominent spice traders. A Dutch couple had opened a small bakery which was later passed down to an Iranian who resided in India. The local residents were not quite fond of the snack and the Iranian owner decided to experiment with different recipes thus, eventually, the Nankhatai was created. Nankhatai is made from three simple ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar and ghee (butter).
Photo of Dark Nankhatai. Photo Source: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/46/Dark_Nankhatai.jpg/640px-Dark_Nankhatai.jpg
Fun Fact – The word Nankhatai derives from the Persian words “Naan” meaning bread and “Khatai” meaning Biscuit.
The introduction of nut crush into the Caribbean is unknown but it is most likely to have been passed down from the Dutch empire and early settlers would have altered the recipe to suit the ingredients that were readily available to them.
How To Make Nut Crush
Ingredients
- 1 Cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ground rice
- 1/2 Cup ground dry roasted peanuts
- 1 Tsp baking powder
- 1/2 Tsp Nutmeg
- 1/3 Cup sugar
- 1/2 Cup room temperature butter equals 1 stick of butter
- 1 tbsp chickpea flour
- 1-2 tbsp room temperature milk
Preparation
- In A large bowl add your flour, ground roasted nuts, sugar, ground rice, nutmeg, chickpea flour, and baking powder, and mix.
- After you mix all your dry ingredients then add butter and mix again.
- Add your milk to the mixture and mix until it is in a doughy state.
- Grease a flat, rectangular cookie pan
- Form the dough into a ball shape and wet an ice-cream scoop and start scooping out little balls and place them onto your cookie pan.
- After your pan has been filled with ball-shaped dough, place it into the oven at 350 degrees.
- Bake for 5 minutes before dropping the temperature to 200 degrees and allow to bake for another 15 minutes.
- After your nut crush has been fully baked remove it from the oven, allow it to cool, and enjoy!
Here is a simple instructional video you can also follow
Nut Crush In Guyana
Nut crush can be enjoyed by itself or along with a warm beverage such as milk, tea, or coffee. Nut crush can be found selling at small food stands all over the country and has been around for a very, VERY long time. It’s the crunchy treat that will awaken your tastebuds with delight. If you ever come across some selling then that is the perfect time to take up the opportuNUTY and grab a few to snack on!
References:
- https://www.196flavors.com/netherlands-kruidnoten/
- https://www.expatica.com/nl/lifestyle/holidays/sinterklaas-100660/
- https://piccolacucina.com/blogs/latest/brief-history-of-italian-macaroons-also-known-as-amaretti
- https://www.robinsandsons.co.uk/blogs/blog/history-of-amaretti-biscuit
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nankhatai#:~:text=Nankhatai%20is%20believed%20to%20have,the%20bakery%20to%20an%20Iranian.
