Saudi Gazette Kleja, Saudi Arabia's very own wholesome nutritious biscuit, is equivalent in texture and flavor to American chocolate chip cookies and the French madeleine. It is crispy and sweet with delectable chewy fillings. It is a great accompaniment to be devoured with a cup of milk, tea or coffee. It originated in Al-Qassim region of the Kingdom for travelers, pilgrims, and businessmen who would travel by camel to Syria, Palestine, Turkey, Iran and Egypt for trade. They were also eaten by warriors,too, as Kleja's high calorie and sugar content provided them with high energy and stamina. These scrumptious biscuits are made of whole wheat flour and have a hard shell. They are filled with a flavored paste of molasses saturated with aromatic spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, and more. They are durable, and have a shelf life of almost three months; without losing their nutrients, taste, freshness, and color. They are light, easy to carry and store apart from being extremely appetizing and healthy. Today, Saudi families serve kleja to their guests as a delicacy at weddings and during Eid. Of course, it is not only reserved for special occasions one can enjoy them at any time of the year. It can be used as a healthy alternative to junk foods, which today children love to snack on, which are almost void of any nutritional benefits. The whole wheat flour in the biscuit provides fiber, iron, B vitamins, and magnesium. Since it is baked and not fried, it is lower in fat and calories than the popular doughnuts and potato chips. If you are watching your weight, you can also indulge in kleja, but in moderation as it can serve as a replacement for other high-fat desserts. For some Saudi women living in Qassim, kleja is more than a tasty biscuit to eat with a cup of tea; it is their livelihood. One widow, Umm Saud, prepares kleja and other traditional foods at home and sells them to customers who love her authentic Saudi cooking. She is a mother of five children and has been the sole breadwinner for her family ever since her husband passed away. Umm Abdul Rahman, an elderly woman from Qassim learned the skill of making these biscuits from her grandmother. She wishes to pass it on to her next generation. If you would like to try your hands at making these yummy biscuits then simply follow Umm Abdul Rahman's simple recipe of kleja. The filling in the recipes varies, but often the following ingredients are mixed together to form a smooth paste: three-quarters cup black honey or molasses, a teaspoon each of powdered black lemon, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. The traditional, homemade kleja has many health benefits because of the natural herbs used to make these fillings. Cardamom is a natural stimulant and is useful for treating indigestion and gas. Studies have shown that cinnamon has anti-clotting, anti-bacterial, and sugar regulating effects and can reduce blood cholesterol levels and boost memory. Cloves improve both circulation and digestion and also strengthen immunity, and treat vomiting and nausea. Ginger has been used for thousands of years for culinary purposes and for its medicinal properties. It is well-known for aiding digestion, breaking down fatty acids and proteins, eliminating gas, and relieving morning and motion sickness. Ginger can also help reduce inflammation, soothe muscle cramps, and increase blood circulation. Its anti-histamine properties and ability to bring a fever down makes it a perfect remedy for the common cold and flu. __
