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Saudi Kleija: A Traditional Delight from Al Qassim

Kleija is a traditional pastry from the Saudi cuisine, which is deeply rooted in the Kingdom’s culture and pass from one generation to the other.

Kleija is a signature delight of Al Qassim Region, offering a mix of sweet and savory flavors. Furthermore, it is nutritious and a great source of energy and strength.

A Blend of Saudi Flavors

Kleija is usually made in round or oval shape, with a crispy outer layer adorned with decorative patterns and a soft and tasty interior.

Saudi Kleija: A Traditional Delight from Al Qassim
Kleija

It combines a variety of traditional ingredients from the Saudi cuisine, including dates, black lemon, and spices such as cardamom and cinnamon.

Preserving Heritage

Each year, Al Qassim Region celebrates Kleija as a symbol of traditional popular dishes and a key component of cultural heritage.

To this end, the city of Buraidah, Al Qassim’s capital city, holds the annual “Kleija Festival” to preserve the Region’s popular heritage and support productive families, young men and women by highlighting and marketing the Kleija product.

Moreover, Kleija is commonly baked and served during weddings, Eid celebrations and other special occasions.

A UNESCO-listed Pastry

Earlier this month, the Saudi Culinary Arts Commission announced the inclusion of three Saudi pastries in the “Breads of the Creative Cities” initiative. The chosen baked goods reflect the history and culinary heritage of Saudi cities listed in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Saudi Kleija: A Traditional Delight from Al Qassim
Kleija

The Kleija was chosen to represent Buraidah city and Al Qassim Region’s heritage. This listing highlights the cultural richness and diversity of Saudi Creative Cities. It also reflects the Culinary Arts Commission’s efforts and strategy towards highlighting Saudi culinary arts locally and internationally.

How to Make Kleija?

Kleija dough is made from wheat flour, sugar, milk, and ghee, while the filling can include a variety of ingredients such as dates, black lemon, cardamom, cinnamon, sesame seeds, ginger powder, saffron and nuts.

Here is a simple recipe for Kleija:

Ingredients:

Dough:

  • 2 cups of whole wheat flour
  • 2 cups of white flour
  • 1/2 cup of ghee
  • 2 tablespoons of milk powder
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1, 1/4 cup of warm water

Filling:

  • 1 cup of fine sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger powder
  • 1 tablespoon of crushed black lemon
  • Egg yolk or liquid milk for decoration

Saudi Kleija: A Traditional Delight from Al Qassim

Preparation:

  • Mix dry ingredients
  • Add ghee and stir until they blend
  • Add water gradually until the dough becomes soft
  • Cover the dough and leave for at least 1 hour
  • Divide the dough into balls of equal size
  • Mix the filling and add 1 to 3 tablespoons of water until it blends
  • Take a ball of dough and flatten it
  • Fill it with 1 tbs. of filling and refold it
  • Decorate Kleija cookies with egg yolk
  • Bake them in a pre-heated oven on medium temperature until the Kleija cookies puff up and get a gold color

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