Indonesian Nut Pastry 2

Ingredients

• 250 gflour
• 150 gnuts — chopped
• 100 gbutter
• 100 gsugar
• 1egg

Method

1. Start by bringing 100 g of butter to room temperature. This will ensure it blends smoothly with the other ingredients, creating a uniform dough. Crack 1 egg into a small bowl and allow it to come to room temperature as well. This helps the egg incorporate more easily into the dough, preventing any lumps.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine 250 g of flour and 100 g of sugar. Mix them together with a whisk or fork to ensure even distribution of the sugar throughout the flour. This step is crucial for a consistent sweetness in every bite of the pastry.
3. Add the softened butter to the flour and sugar mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This texture is key for a tender pastry, as it ensures the fat is evenly distributed.
4. Finely chop 150 g of nuts of your choice, such as cashews or almonds, and add them to the mixture. Stir them in gently, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. The nuts should be small enough to blend into the dough but still provide a satisfying crunch.
5. Pour the room temperature egg into the mixture. Use a spatula or your hands to combine everything into a cohesive dough. The dough should come together without being sticky, indicating the right balance of moisture and dry ingredients.
6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). While the oven heats, shape the dough into small, even-sized balls, about the size of a walnut. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between each to allow for spreading.
7. Bake the pastries in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. The edges should be firm and the tops slightly cracked, indicating they are cooked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
8. Once cooled, the pastries can be dusted with a little extra sugar if desired. Serve them at room temperature, allowing the flavors to meld and the texture to be at its best. These pastries are perfect for sharing at a family gathering or enjoying as a sweet treat with tea.