Nan-e nokhodchi (Persian: نان نخودچی), also called Shirini-e nokhodchi (شیرینی نخودچی),[1] are cookies made from chickpeas originating in Qazvin, Iran.[2] These are traditionally made from chick-pea flour and flavored with cardamom and garnished with pistachio.[3] They come in varying shapes.
Etymology
Nan-e Nokhodchi means "bread of/with chickpea" in Persian. Shirini Nokhodchi means "chickpea cookie" in Persian.
Shape
Some say they are traditionally cut into the shape of a clover,[1] while others say that the traditional shape is modeled after a hazelnut with etched designs.[4] They are also now made into squares, hearts and diamonds.[4]
Seven Sweets
According to legend, King Jamshid discovered sugar on the Persian new year, Nowruz. Therefore, there is the custom of celebrating Nowruz with seven sweet foods, in addition to the traditional other seven foods at the Haft-sin.[3] The seven sweets are:
Noghl, sugar-coated almonds flavored with rose water
