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Kuwaiti Kleicha with Date and Walnuts
Kuwaiti Kleicha is a beloved traditional cookie, often prepared and shared during Eid celebrations and other festive occasions, symbolizing hospitality and joy.
Ingredients
- For the Dough
- 4 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 cup Semolina
- 1 cup Ghee, melted and cooled
- ½ cup Vegetable oil
- ½ cup Warm milk
- ½ cup Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Rose water
- 1 teaspoon Instant yeast, dissolved in 2 tbsp warm water
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- For the Date Filling
- 2 cups Date paste
- 2 tablespoons Ghee
- 1 teaspoon Ground cardamom
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ½ cup Chopped walnuts
- Egg, for brushing (optional)
Method
- 130 min
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the flour, semolina, sugar, fragrant ground cardamom, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour in the melted and cooled ghee, vegetable oil, warm milk, and aromatic rose water. Add the yeast mixture that has been dissolved in warm water. Gently bring all the ingredients together, then knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer until it becomes smooth, soft, and pliable. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and let the dough rest for at least 30 minutes in a warm spot, allowing the flavors to meld and the dough to relax.
- 2
While the dough is resting, prepare the delightful date and walnut filling. In a separate bowl, combine the smooth date paste with the ghee, ground cardamom, and cinnamon. Mix these ingredients thoroughly, either by hand or using a fork, until they are perfectly blended and homogeneous. Finally, fold in the chopped walnuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the date mixture. Roll the prepared date mixture into small, finger-sized logs, approximately 2-3 cm (1 inch) in length, which will make them easy to stuff into the kleicha.
- 3
Preheat your oven to a moderate temperature of 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Take a small portion of the rested dough, roughly the size of a walnut. Gently flatten this piece into a small disc in the palm of your hand. Place one of the prepared date and walnut logs in the center of the dough disc. Carefully bring the edges of the dough together over the filling, sealing it completely to form a neat ball. Press the dough ball into a traditional kleicha mold to create its distinctive patterned top, or simply use the tines of a fork to make an appealing decorative design.
- 415 min
Arrange the beautifully shaped kleicha on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each cookie. For an extra golden and appealing finish, lightly brush the tops of the cookies with a beaten egg (this step is optional but highly recommended). Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the kleicha achieve a lovely golden-brown color on top and bottom. Keep a watchful eye on them to ensure they don't over-bake.
- 5
Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the kleicha from the oven. Transfer them immediately to a wire rack to cool down completely. This crucial cooling step allows the cookies to firm up and fully develop their delicious flavor and desired texture. Once thoroughly cooled, store your delectable Kuwaiti Kleicha in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their freshness. They pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of traditional Arabic coffee or a refreshing glass of tea, making for a perfect treat!