Kelaneh (bread) facts for kids
Kelaneh
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| Place of origin | Iran |
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| Region or state | Kurdistan |
| Main ingredients | Wheat flour, Sour dough , Scallion |
Kelaneh (Kurdish: کەلانە) is a special and tasty flatbread from Kurdistan, a region in the Middle East. It's not just a bread; it's often a whole meal! People in Kurdistan have been making Kelaneh for a very long time, especially in the springtime. This traditional dish is a big part of Kurdish culture and food.
What is Kelaneh?
Kelaneh is a type of thin, round bread. It's usually filled with different ingredients depending on the time of year. You can think of it like a delicious, savory pancake or a thin pizza crust with a yummy filling inside. It's known for its simple ingredients and delicious taste.
Ingredients and Fillings
The main ingredients for the bread part are wheat flour and sourdough. Sourdough is a special kind of dough that uses natural yeast. This gives the bread a unique, slightly tangy flavor.
What goes inside Kelaneh changes with the seasons:
- In spring, people often fill Kelaneh with a plant called ivy. This ivy is a type of honeysuckle that grows wild.
- During other times of the year, the filling is usually scallions. Scallions are also known as green onions, chives, or wild garlic. These give the bread a fresh, oniony taste.
How Kelaneh is Made
Kelaneh is a flatbread, meaning it's rolled out very thin. After the dough is rolled, the filling is spread on one half. Then, the other half of the dough is folded over the filling. This creates a half-moon shape.
Traditionally, Kelaneh is cooked on a special curved metal griddle. This griddle is called a "saj" (pronounced "saj"). It's placed over an open fire. The heat from the fire cooks the bread evenly and quickly. For cooking at home, people often make smaller Kelaneh. These smaller ones fit perfectly in a regular frying pan on a kitchen stove.
When is Kelaneh Eaten?
Kelaneh is especially popular in the spring. This is when fresh ivy and other wild greens are easy to find. It's often enjoyed as a light meal or a snack. People might eat it for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. It's a simple, comforting food that brings people together.
