Desserts > Cookies > Middle Eastern Desserts

Date and Nut Kleicha Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 cup pitted dates, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cardamom
- 1/4 cup honey

Special equipment needed:
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper

Step-by-step instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Mix well.

2. Add vegetable oil and warm water to the dry ingredients. Mix until a dough forms.

3. Knead the dough for 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

4. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

5. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

6. In a separate bowl, mix chopped dates, walnuts, cinnamon, and cardamom together.

7. Roll out the dough on a floured surface into a rectangle shape.

8. Spread the date and nut mixture over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.

9. Roll the dough tightly into a log shape, sealing the edges.

10. Cut the log into 1-inch pieces.

11. Place the pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

12. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

13. Remove from the oven and brush with honey while still warm.


Time:
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 20-25 minutes
Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
Makes 12-15 pieces

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 200
Total fat: 8g
Saturated fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 50mg
Total carbohydrates: 31g
Dietary fiber: 2g
Sugars: 16g
Protein: 3g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Whole wheat flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour.
- Almonds or pistachios can be used instead of walnuts.
- Maple syrup can be used instead of honey.

Variations:
- Add orange zest to the date and nut mixture for a citrusy flavor.
- Use figs instead of dates for a different taste.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the dough for a warm spice flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the dough is rolled out evenly to ensure even baking.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little flour to the surface.
- Brushing with honey while still warm will give the kleicha a shiny glaze.

Storage instructions:
Store kleicha in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place kleicha in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes.

Presentation ideas:
Serve kleicha on a platter with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Pairings:
Serve with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with fresh fruit or a side salad.

Troubleshooting advice:
If the dough is too dry, add a little more water. If it's too wet, add a little more flour.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to wash your hands and work surface before preparing the dough. Ensure the dates are pitted before chopping.

Food history:
Kleicha is a traditional Iraqi pastry that is typically served during Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan.

Flavor profiles:
The combination of dates, nuts, and warm spices gives kleicha a sweet and nutty flavor with a hint of warmth from the cinnamon and cardamom.

Serving suggestions:
Serve kleicha as a sweet treat or snack during the day or as a dessert after a meal.

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Region: Iraqi

Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Chewy, Aromatic