Kleicha Recipe

These traditional Iraqi pastries are a must-try for any food lover. Kleicha is an Iraqi date cookie often enjoyed during celebrations, especially during EID celebrations. This is my mother’s recipe; it is easy to prepare, delicious, and plant-based.

This is a step-by-step guide to make this delicious Iraqi dates treats.

Kleicha Ingredients:

• All-purpose flour: Any all-purpose wheat flour will work in this recipe. I have not tested it with a specific type of flour other than all-purpose flour. So I don’t know if it will work.
• Baking powder
• Date paste: I have used store-bought date paste. It is de-seeded dates pressed into almost a dough. It’s available in most supermarkets in the Middle East.
• Vegetable ghee: Traditional Kleicha is prepared with ghee; I have used vegetable ghee. It is needed for the Kleicha dough and the dates paste.
• Kleicha spice mix: This is optional. My mother prepares a unique spice blend to make the Kleicha. It contains different spices, like cinnamon, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, anise, cardamom, ginger, and star anise. Alternatively, you can use a mix of cardamom and cinnamon.
• Cardamom powder is used with the date paste.
• Black seeds are also optional, but adding them to the dough is highly recommended.
• Salt
• Water
• Vegan egg wash: plant-based milk mixed with olive oil.

How To Make Kleicha:

Preparing the Kleicha Dough:

• There are two ways to prepare the dough: by hand or using a food processor.
• Add flour, baking powder, Kleicha spice mix/cardamom, and salt.

• Mix the ingredients with the food processor(pulse) or by hand.
• Start gradually adding the vegetable ghee, mixing until all the ghee is added. At this stage, the dough must resemble a crumble.

• Add the black seeds and mix/knead by hand.

• Start adding the water gradually and keep mixing or kneading by hand. Using a food processor, this will take 2-3 minutes. However, if you do it by hand, you must knead the dough for 15 minutes.

• Leave the dough to rest for 15-20 minutes covered with a kitchen towel.
• While the Kleicha dough is resting, prepare the date filling.

Preparing the dates filling:

• Add one tablespoon of vegetable ghee to a hot pan and the dates paste.

• Add the Kleicha spice mix/cardamom powder, press it into the date paste, and mix.

• Let it cool down to room temperature before making the Kleicha.

Making the Kleicha:

• Preheat the oven to 200℃.
• Add parchment paper to a baking tray and set it aside.
• Prepare the vegan egg wash by mixing almond milk and olive oil and setting aside.
• Start making the Kleicha by taking a small ball of dough, forming it in your hand, and flattening it into a circle.
• Place a smaller ball of the date paste in the middle of the dough circle.
• Fold the dough in half and start sealing the ends.

• Place it on the baking tray. Repeat until all the dough is finished.

• Brush all the Kleicha with the vegan wash before placing it into the oven.

• Place the tray on the middle rack and bake for 20 minutes. Then, reduce the heat to 150℃ and bake only the top for 10 minutes. It should be golden; that’s when it is done.

Serving Suggestion:

Kleicha is best served with a cup of tea. It is also a healthy snack for kids, and my daughter’s favorite school snack is Kleicha.

Storing leftovers:

Kleicha stores well at room temperature for a week. It can also be stored in the fridge for more extended periods.

Recommended Recipes:

For more delicious plant-based recipes, check the below:

• Middle Eastern Ful Medames Recipe.
• Vegan Corn Chowder Recipe.
• Nachos recipe.
• Vegan Egg Sandwich Recipe.

If you make this recipe, I’d love a comment and a rating. Please make sure to tag me in re-creation on Instagram @veganbilaraby. I would love to see your take on my vegan recipes 💚