Whenever the region of Hail is mentioned, the legendary hospitality embodied in golden Kleicha pieces follows. Haili Kleicha is the treat that combines the crunch of fine pastry with the decadence of spiced dates—the ultimate companion to the Saudi coffee Dallah in the prestigious majlises of the North. Haili Kleicha is distinguished from its Qassimi counterpart by its delicate nature and melt-in-the-mouth texture, offering a unique experience that blends authentic ingredients with masterful craftsmanship. At Atayeb, we reveal the secrets to the perfect elastic dough and the “Khanina” (fragrant) filling that will turn your home into a corner of Haili elegance.
The Story of Kleicha: The Provision of Generosity in the North
The roots of Kleicha in Hail date back centuries, where mothers relied on the land’s bounties, such as “Al-Mai’yah” wheat and the famous “Al-Helwah” dates of Hail. Kleicha was never just a dessert; it was the “Gift of Eid” and a sign of welcome for travelers, thanks to its high durability and ability to stay fresh for long periods. The secret to successful Haili Kleicha lies in the “Spice Balance”—ensuring the cinnamon doesn’t overpower the cardamom, but rather harmonizes to highlight the natural sweetness of the dates.
Professional Recipe Card
| Feature | Details |
| Prep Time | 30 Minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 – 20 Minutes |
| Yield | 20 – 25 Pieces (depending on size) |
| Category | Traditional Sweets – Heritage of Hail Region |
| Pro Secret | “Rubbing” the flour with ghee thoroughly before kneading |
Ingredients (The Golden Standards)
To achieve a crumbly Kleicha with a consistent shape, adhere to these measurements:
1. Kleicha Dough:
- 3 Cups Flour: (Preferably a mix of 2 cups white flour and 1 cup whole wheat flour for a deeper flavor).
- ½ Cup Local Ghee (Samen) or melted natural butter (Ghee provides an irresistible traditional aroma).
- ¼ Cup Fine Sugar.
- ½ Cup Warm Water: (Added gradually to control the dough’s consistency).
- A pinch of salt and a light touch of vanilla (optional).
2. Spiced Date Filling:
- 2 Cups Mashed Dates: (Khalas or Helwat Hail, very smooth).
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cardamom.
- ½ Teaspoon Cinnamon.
- 1 Tablespoon Ghee: (To keep the filling soft inside the oven).
- Optional Addition: 1 tablespoon of crushed walnuts.
Preparation Steps: From Kneading to Golden Baking
Step 1: Preparing the Dough (The Sandy Base)
Start by mixing the flour, sugar, and salt. Pour in the warm ghee and perform the “Bath”—rubbing the flour between your palms until it completely absorbs the fat.
Atayeb Tip: Adding warm water gradually is the decisive step; we want an “elastic” dough, not a stiff one, so it doesn’t crack during shaping. Let the dough rest for 30 minutes to ensure easy handling.
Step 2: Preparing the Aromatic Filling
Knead the dates with cardamom, cinnamon, and ghee. If the dates are too firm, heat them for a few seconds in the microwave until they become paste-like. Shape the dates into tiny balls (smaller than the dough balls) to make assembly easier.
Step 3: Shaping and Haili Embossing
- Roll the dough into equal-sized balls, then flatten each piece until thin.
- Place a date ball in the center and seal the dough tightly around it (similar to Kibbeh or Maamoul).
- Place the balls in traditional engraved wooden Kleicha molds and press firmly, or use a fork to create the traditional crisscross pattern.
Step 4: Baking and Glazing
Arrange the pieces on a baking tray. Brush the tops with an egg yolk wash mixed with a drop of vinegar and milk for a brilliant golden shine. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 15 to 20 minutes until the edges are browned, then briefly broil the top.
Pro Secrets from Atayeb’s Kitchen
- Cooling Process: Do not pack the Kleicha in boxes while hot. Let them cool completely on a wire rack to maintain their crunch; otherwise, the steam will make them soft and soggy.
- Date Quality: The secret of the Haili flavor is the date variety. The higher the quality and the clearer the dates are of hard skins, the more professional the result.
- Dough Thickness: Ensure the dough is thin enough to let the filling shine, but thick enough to hold the engraving without tearing.
Nutritional Value (Per average piece)
| Nutrient | Approximate Value |
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fats | 6 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
Conclusion from Atayeb
Haili Kleicha is a love story between the flour of the earth and the sweetness of the palms. By following these steps from Atayeb, you will be able to present a luxurious heritage dish that adorns your table and impresses your guests with an aroma steeped in cardamom and beautiful memories. Try it today and let your kitchen become a window into the hospitality of the Saudi North.
