Kleicha facts for kids
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| Type | Cookie |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Sumer-Babylonia, Mesopotamia |
| Region or state | Iraq, Saudi Arabia |
| Serving temperature | Hot or cold |
| Main ingredients | Dough, nuts, dates, and sesame seeds |
Kleicha (say "klee-cha") is a yummy cookie from the Middle East. It's so popular in Iraq that some people call it Iraq's national cookie! This is partly because of the Assyrian community, who have a long history with this sweet treat.
Contents
What is Kleicha?
Kleicha cookies come in many traditional shapes and with different fillings. The most popular ones are often filled with sweet dates. These are called kleichat tamur.
Other Delicious Types
You can also find Kleicha in other forms. Some are sweet, flat discs called khfefiyyat. Others are shaped like half-moons. These half-moon cookies are usually filled with tasty nuts, sugar, or even shredded coconut. These are known as kleichat joz.
Flavors and Toppings
Kleicha cookies usually get their special taste from cardamom, a fragrant spice. Sometimes, a little rose water is added for extra flavor. Before baking, the cookies are often brushed with egg wash. This makes them shiny and golden. Sometimes, the egg wash is even colored and scented with saffron for a beautiful touch.
When is Kleicha Eaten?
People in Saudi Arabia and Iraq often make Kleicha for special holidays. These include Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. They also bake these cookies for celebrations like weddings or other important ceremonies.
Popular Fillings for Celebrations
For these special occasions, Kleicha can have many different fillings. Besides dates, people use pistachios, walnuts, coconuts, dried figs, and sesame seeds. Sometimes, they even fill them with Turkish delight!
Kleicha for Assyrian Holidays
The Assyrians have their own traditions with Kleicha. They bake these cookies for Eeda Gura, which is Easter. They also make them for Eeda Sura, which is Christmas. For these holidays, Kleicha is usually filled with dates and served with hot tea.
See also
In Spanish: Kleicha para niños
