Kurdish Date - Filled Pastry (Kulicha)
Kulîçe bi xurma (klecha) are the iconic Kurdish and Iraqi date pastries traditionally baked for Eid. The cardamom-scented date filling and yeasted butter dough are essential; the spiral 'date roll' shape is the most common. Distinct from the spiced ring-shaped klice (id 19).
Method
Combine the flour, yeast, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
Add the melted butter and 75 ml milk, mixing into a soft smooth dough that is pliable but not sticky; knead for 10 minutes.
Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place for one hour.
While the dough rises, blend the dates with the 50 g melted butter and crushed cardamom into a uniform paste.
Divide the dough into four sections and roll one into a 5 mm thick rectangle.
Spread a quarter of the date paste over the dough, roll up tightly like a Swiss roll, seal the edge and slice into 1 cm rounds.
Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.
For crescent shapes, cut circles, place date paste on one half, dampen the edges, fold over and press the edges with a fork.
Optionally brush the crescents with milk and sprinkle with nigella seeds.
Bake at 180C (350F) for 15-20 minutes until golden, then cool completely before serving (dust with icing sugar if desired).