Klaicha (Kleicha) Recipe: Middle Eastern Date-Filled Pastries 🌟
Overview:
Klaicha, also known as Kleicha, is a delightful Middle Eastern treat that tantalizes the taste buds with its sweet date filling encased in a buttery pastry. Originating from the Southwest Asian region, this recipe brings a taste of tradition to your kitchen. Perfectly paired with a cup of coffee or tea, these date-filled pastries are a wonderful addition to any dessert spread or afternoon snack.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 148.4 per serving
- Fat Content: 7.7g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 19.9mg
- Sodium Content: 6.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 19.1g
- Fiber Content: 1g
- Sugar Content: 8.7g
- Protein Content: 1.6g
Recipe Details:
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Servings: Makes approximately 30 cookies
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 3 cups | Plain flour |
| 1/2 cup | Caster sugar |
| 250g | Unsalted butter |
| 3 tsp | Rose water |
| 1/4 cup | Water |
| 250g | Pitted dates |
| 2 tbsp | Butter |
Instructions:
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Pre-heat oven: Preheat your oven to 170°C (340°F) to ensure it’s ready when your klaicha are prepared for baking.
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Prepare dough: In a mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour and caster sugar until well combined. Then, gradually rub in 250g of unsalted butter until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
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Add liquids: Pour in the rose water and water, and gently knead the mixture until it forms a smooth dough. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dough to relax.
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Prepare filling: While the dough is resting, finely chop the pitted dates and heat them with 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan until the dates are soft and the mixture is nicely combined.
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Form klaicha: After the dough has rested, take small portions and roll them into balls in the palm of your hand. Flatten each ball slightly and place a small amount of the date filling in the center. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to enclose it completely, shaping it into a neat ball.
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Bake: Arrange the filled klaicha on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one to allow for expansion. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until they turn a golden brown color and are cooked through.
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Cool and serve: Once baked, remove the klaicha from the oven and let them cool slightly on the tray before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy these delicious treats with a cup of hot coffee or tea, and share the joy with family and friends!
Tips:
- For an extra flavor boost, you can sprinkle some powdered sugar over the klaicha before serving.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week, or freeze them for longer storage. Simply reheat them in the oven before serving to enjoy them warm and fresh.
- Experiment with different fillings such as nuts or dried fruits to create your own unique variations of klaicha.
- These pastries make wonderful homemade gifts for special occasions or as a heartfelt gesture to show someone you care.
With its delicate pastry shell and luscious date filling, klaicha is sure to become a favorite treat in your home. Embrace the flavors of the Middle East and indulge in the sweet satisfaction of these irresistible pastries. Happy baking! 🥮✨
