Stuffed pretzels with date paste (ka'ek)

Stuffed Pretzels with Date Paste (Ka'ek)

Who doesn't love the fresh smell of warm, crunchy pretzels filled with sweet and aromatic filling? This recipe for stuffed pretzels with date paste, also known as Ka'ek, is a true delicacy, rich in tradition and flavors that will delight you.

Dates, the main ingredient of the filling, are nutrient-rich fruits, high in vitamins A, K, B, B6, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. They not only provide a natural sweet taste but also bring numerous health benefits, contributing to maintaining a healthy heart rhythm and supporting the immune system.

In addition, black cumin seeds (Izha) and sesame seeds, added to the dough, not only enrich the dish with extraordinary flavors but also offer valuable nutritional properties, having beneficial roles in digestion and preventing certain diseases.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 20 pretzels

Ingredients

*For the dough:*
- 1 kg flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons powdered milk
- 3 tablespoons ground anise
- 3 tablespoons ground fennel
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 220 ml sunflower or corn oil
- 220 ml olive oil
- 100 g black cumin seeds (Izha)
- 100 g sesame seeds

*For the filling:*
- 1 kg date paste
- 2 tablespoons ground anise
- 2 tablespoons ground fennel
- 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon ground gum arabic

Preparation steps

Step 1: Preparing the dough
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, powdered milk, anise, fennel, baking powder, and baking soda. Mix the dry ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
2. Add the sunflower oil and olive oil, mixing until the mixture becomes crumbly.
3. Gradually add water, kneading the dough by hand until you obtain a soft and pliable dough. It should be elastic and not stick to your hands.
4. Cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest for 10-15 minutes.

Step 2: Preparing the filling
1. If you do not have date paste, you can use pitted dates. Remove the pits and knead the dates by hand or pass them through a meat grinder. If the paste is too hard, add a little warm milk to achieve a softer consistency.
2. In a bowl, combine the date paste with anise, fennel, olive oil, nutmeg, and gum arabic. Knead the mixture until it becomes homogeneous and easy to shape.

Step 3: Shaping the pretzels
1. On an oiled work surface, form thin rolls with the date filling.
2. From the rested dough, form small balls and cover them with a towel to prevent drying out.
3. Take a ball of dough, roll it out with a rolling pin until you obtain a thin sheet. Place a roll of date filling in the center of the dough sheet and wrap the dough around the filling, forming a pretzel.
4. Place the pretzels on a greased tray and continue until all ingredients are used.

Step 4: Baking
1. Preheat the oven to 180-200°C.
2. Bake the pretzels for 15-20 minutes, or until golden. Be careful, as the dough is thin and bakes quickly.
3. Once done, let the pretzels cool on a tray, then transfer them to a serving platter.

Serving and suggestions
Stuffed pretzels with date paste are delicious both warm and at room temperature. You can serve them alongside a cup of aromatic coffee or a hot tea, and the aroma of the spices will take you on an unforgettable culinary journey.

Practical tips
- If you want to intensify the flavor, you can also add a pinch of cinnamon to the filling.
- If you do not have gum arabic, you can replace it with a small amount of cornstarch, but the effect will not be as beneficial.
- These pretzels can be stored at room temperature and remain fresh for a few days, thanks to the date filling.

Nutritional benefits
These pretzels are an excellent source of energy due to the dates rich in natural sugars. Black cumin and sesame seeds contribute to heart and digestive health, providing important nutritional benefits.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use other fillings?
Of course! You can experiment with fillings of nuts, almonds, or even chocolate, depending on your preferences.
- Can I reduce the sugar in the recipe?
Yes, if you prefer a less sweet taste, you can reduce the amount of sugar added to the dough.

In conclusion, stuffed pretzels with date paste (Ka'ek) are an excellent choice for any occasion, being not only tasty but also full of nutrients. Try this recipe and enjoy every bite! Enjoy your meal!

 Ingredients: Dough - 1kg flour - 2 tablespoons sugar - 2 tablespoons milk powder - 3 tablespoons ground anise - 3 tablespoons ground fennel - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon baking soda - 220 ml sunflower or corn oil - 220 ml olive oil - 100 g black cumin seeds (izha) - 100 g sesame seeds Filling: - 1kg date paste - 2 tablespoons ground anise - 2 tablespoons ground fennel - 2-3 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 teaspoon ground gum arabic