Iraqi Kleicha Recipe

Ingredients

For the dough:

4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup sunflower oil
1 tablespoon granulated sugar, for the dough
½ teaspoon ground cardamom
A pinch of salt
¾ cup lukewarm water
¼ cup sesame seeds
1 egg, lightly beaten with a drop of vinegar, to brush the dough before baking

To proof the yeast:

1 tablespoon active dry yeast
6 tablespoons of lukewarm water, to proof the yeast
1 teaspoon granulated sugar, to help activate the yeast

For the filling:

1 kg/2lb. 4 oz. dates
4 tablespoons butter, softened
4 tablespoons sunflower oil
1 teaspoon cardamom powder

Directions:

1. To proof the yeast: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast with the lukewarm water and sugar. Let it stand for 10-15 minutes. You will notice a bubbly foam on the surface. This is an indication that your yeast is fresh and not expired

To make the dough:

1. In a large ceramic or glass bowl, add the flour, salt and cardamom powder. Mix with your hands.

2. Heat the sunflower oil a bit and add to the flour mixture.

3. Mix in the ¾ cup of lukewarm water, and finally add the proofed yeast. Knead the mixture well until you end up with a malleable dough. Cover with a kitchen towel and set aside for 11/2 hours.

For the filling:

1. Pull open the dates and remove the pits using a serrated knife. Roughly cut the dates; add the cardamom powder, oil and butter and mix well. Transfer the date mixture to a food processor and blend to get a paste. (You may probably need to do that in batches)

2. Divide the date paste into 10 equal portions. Make 10 long logs of the date about 20 cm/ 9 inches long. Cover with a kitchen towel and set aside

To put together:

1. When the dough has doubled in size, divide it into 10 equal portions. Make a long log with each dough , about 15 cm/6 inches long. Sprinkle some flour on a counter top and stretch it with a rolling pin to a 22 cm/9 inches long.

2. Place the each date log over the flattened dough.

3. Gently close the dough around the date paste, pinching it to seal.

4. Roll the stuffed log back and forth several times to smooth it.

5. Cut each log about 7-8 portions, then transfer to a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each with the egg.

6. Sprinkle some sesame seeds on topof each kleciha.

7. Repeat with the other dough and date paste.

8. Preheat the oven to 200°C/ 400°Fand bake for 12-15 minutes or to a golden color. Enjoy!

Recipe By Hadias Cuisine