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Ka'ak - Wikipedia Jump to content

Ka'ak

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about Middle Eastern baked goods. For the native bread of Balochistan, see Kaak (bread). For the cookie made in Egypt, see Kahk.
Ka'ak
Region or stateMiddle East
Main ingredientsWheat flour, vegetable oil, eggs, sugar, black cumin or sesame seeds, egg yolk, water, salt
VariationsKa'ak el eid,[1] ka'ak asawer,[2] ka'ak bi ajwa,[3] ka'ak al-quds
  •  Cookbook: Ka'ak
  •  
     Media: Ka'ak

Ka'ak (Arabic: كَعك [kaʕk], also transliterated kaak), is a baked good of varying types[4] produced throughout the Arab world and the Near East. The bread, in Middle Eastern countries, is similar to a dry and hardened biscuit and mostly ring-shaped. A similar pastry called "kue kaak" is also popular in Indonesia.[5]

History

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Mentions of ka'ak can be found in the 10th Century work by Ibn Sayyar al-Warraq.[6]

Ka'ak is attested to in the Kitab al Wusla il al Habib Ibn al-Adim, which originates from Syria in the 13th century.[7][8] The Kitab al Wusla il al Habib gives three recipes for Ka'ak.[9][10] Date-filled, ring-shaped ka'ak cookies were also mentioned.[11]

Variations

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Bread rings

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Ka'ak can refer to a bread commonly consumed throughout the Levant that is made in a large ring-shape and is covered with sesame seeds. Fermented chickpeas are used as a leavening agent.[12] Widely sold by street vendors, it is usually eaten as a snack or for breakfast with za'atar.

Tunisian Jews also make a slightly sweet-and-salty version of the pastry, but don't use a yeast-based dough.[13] In Egypt, usually at wedding parties, a variation made with almonds, known as kahk bi loz, is served.[14]

Jordan

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In Jordan, sesame-coated ka'ak bread is popular, where it is available in different shapes and size, and often used for sandwiches.[15][16][17]

Lebanon

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In Lebanon, ka'ak bread rings are made of sweet dough rolled into ropes and formed into rings and topped with sesame seeds. Instead of za'atar, after baking, it is glazed with milk and sugar and then dried.[18] They are also shaped into flat rings with uneven widths along the ring, resembling a handbag, they are sold on wheeled carriages where they are carried by being hung on a pole by the ring hole.[19][20] It is used to make kaak knafeh, where knafeh is sandwiched in a piece of kaak bread.[21]

East Jerusalem

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Main article: Jerusalem bagel

In Palestinian Jerusalem, it is sometimes served alongside oven-baked eggs and falafel.[22][better source needed] Palestinians from Hebron to Jenin consider ka'ak al-Quds (Jerusalem ka'ak) to be a unique specialty good, and those from the city or visiting there often buy several loaves to give to others outside the city as a gift.[23]

Sweets

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Tunisian ka'ak al-warqa, almond-filled pastry

Sweet semolina ka'ak are made in the Middle East to celebrate special occasions.[24]

Arab Christians, primary among them Palestinian Christians (including those who live in the Palestinian diaspora) and Lebanese Christians, make semolina ka'ak to celebrate Easter.[25] The pastries are often shaped as wreaths and symbolize the crown of thorns that Christians believe Jesus of Nazareth was wearing on the day of his crucifixion.[26][27] In Maltese cuisine, Qagħaq tal-Appostli are made during Lent with almonds placed around the wreath representing the twelve apostles.[28] Other Qagħaq are available throughout the year in Malta, including Qagħaq tal-ħmira (yeast rings), Qagħaq tal-ghasel (honey rings) and Qagħaq tal-gulglien (sesame biscuits).[29][30][31]

Sweet semolina ka'ak are also a feature of the Muslim feasts of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.[24]

In Gaza, when a neighbour sends a dish filled with food to your house as is often the case during the holidays, it is customary to return the dish filled with food of your own making, and most commonly with ka'ak bi ajwa.[32] The ka'ak sweets are also made year round among the entire Palestinian population and flour is sometimes substituted for semolina.

Levant

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Ka'ak al-asfar ("the yellow roll") is a cake of bread that is made by Muslims in the Levant to honour the souls of the departed. Traditionally, this bread, stamped with an elaborate geometric design, was distributed along with dried fruit to the poor, to children, and to relatives, by the family of the deceased on the Thursday and Monday following the death and on a day known as Khamis al-Amwat ("Thursday of the Dead"). A bread stamp (signum pistoris [es]) that was used to imprint designs on these cakes was discovered in Palestine and dates back to the fourteenth or fifteenth century CE. It is round, with a round handle and geometric designs, and measures 19 centimeters in diameter.[33] Ka'ak asfar is also traditionally made by Palestinian Christians on Easter.[34][35]

Maqroota (Arabic: مقروطة) is a date-filled and anise-flavored variation of ka'ak, maqroota is often shaped into a 3 layer cake, with dough on the top and bottom layers and dates in the middle, which is then cut into pieces before baking, or shaped into rolls like kleicha.[36][37] It is popular in Palestine, and in Lebanon, particularly in Sidon and among Palestinian refugees.[38][39][40]

Iraq

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Ka'ak sweets made by Iraqis are generally doughnut-shaped and covered in sesame seeds, such as ka'ak ab sumsum and ka'ak eem tzmukin, which has raisins among other ingredients. Ka'ak beharat oo tefach shares the shape and many of the same ingredients as ka'ak eem tzmukin, but substitutes apples for raisins and is coated in almonds instead of sesame seeds.[41]

Yemen

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In Yemen, ka'ak was traditionally made by kneading dough with oil, battered eggs and sugar, with a sparse additive of black cumin (Nigella sativa).[42] The dough was made thick and kneaded thoroughly, until all ingredients were mixed together. When formed into the traditional shape, they were set out on a tray until the dough rises, after which the dough was brushed with egg yolk, and baked.[42] Clarified butter (samneh) was often brushed on top of the dough. Ka'ak was the traditional pastry eaten by the Jews of Yemen during the feast of Purim.[43]

Iran

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Ka'ak is also baked in the Kurdish city of Kermanshah of Iran.[44][45] In 2012, during the 7th National Meeting of the Policy Council for Registration of Spiritual Heritage of Iran, Ka'ak was registered in the list of spiritual heritage of Kermanshah province.[44]

Savory

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Salty and spicy versions of ka'ak are made in Syria during Eid.[46][47] Salty ka'ak is also popular in Libya,[48][49] and Jerusalem where its known as "Abadi cookies".[50]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Ka'ak el Eid - Palestinian Date Cookies". 19 June 2023.
  2. ^ "Palestinian Date Ring Cookies (Kaak Asawer)". 11 April 2024.
  3. ^ "Palestinian Ka'ak". 21 January 2023.
  4. ^ Anthony B. Toth (March–April 1991). "On the Streets of Damascus". Saudi AramcoWorld. Archived from the original on 2022-01-27. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
  5. ^ "Kopi dan Kue Ka'ak Buatan Mama" [Mama's Coffee and Ka'ak Cake]. Kompas (in Indonesian). 2 April 2025. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  6. ^ al-Warrāq, al-Muẓaffar Ibn Naṣr Ibn Sayyār (26 November 2007). Annals of the Caliphs' Kitchens: Ibn Sayy?r Al-Warr?q's Tenth-Century Baghdadi Cookbook. Translated by Nawal Nasrallah. BRILL. pp. 568, 569, 239, 393, 719, 44, 436, 123, 402, 236, 28, 437. ISBN 978-90-04-15867-2. Retrieved 5 October 2025.
  7. ^ Roden, Claudia (2000). The New Book of Middle Eastern Food (Revised ed.). New York City, New York: Random House, Inc. p. 401. ISBN 0-375-40506-2.
  8. ^ Perry, Charles. "Scents and Flavors: a Lebanese Cookbook". Rider University Library Catalogue. New York University Press, 2017. Retrieved 20 June 2022.
  9. ^ Perry, Charles (1998). Medieval Arab Cookery. City: Prospect Books (UK). ISBN 0-907325-91-2.
  10. ^ Roden, Claudia (1974). A Book of Middle Eastern Food. New York: Vintage Books. ISBN 0-394-71948-4.
  11. ^ Newman, Daniel (24 March 2024). "Medieval Date-filled Ka'k". Eat Like A Sultan. Retrieved 20 September 2025.
  12. ^ "Food Composition Tables for the Near East". Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations: Food Policy and Nutrition Division. 1982. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
  13. ^ Gardner, 2003, p.67.
  14. ^ Maxwell, Fitzpatrick, Jenkins, and Sattin, 2006, p.85.
  15. ^ "ذاكرة الكعك بسمسم" [Sesame ka'ak memory]. Al-Dustor (in Arabic). Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  16. ^ "3 دول اشتهرت به.. خبز السمسم مذاق شهي وحبيبات ذهبية | الخليج أونلاين" [3 countries famous for it: sesame bread, delicious taste and golden grains]. Al Khaleej Online (in Arabic). 1 Aug 2018. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  17. ^ "مخبز صلاح الدين في وسط البلد يحاكي القدس القديمة ..فيديو" [Salah El-Din Bakery in Downtown Mimics Old Jerusalem (Video)]. Amman net (in Arabic). 29 May 2010. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  18. ^ Rinsky, 2008, p.151.
  19. ^ Doss, Suresh (12 Jun 2023). "Bey Route Kaake Café in Oakville is bringing Lebanese handbag bread to the GTA | CBC News". CBC. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  20. ^ "In the absence of political will, Lebanon's bid for IMF deal hits snags | | AW". AW. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  21. ^ Alz, Natalie. "The sticky and sweet Lebanese dessert in pretzel has made it to Israel". Haaretz.com. Retrieved 12 August 2025.
  22. ^ Toine van Teeffelen (April 25, 2005). "The Crow Cries". Retrieved 2008-03-14.
  23. ^ Winslow, 2007, p.118.
  24. ^ a b Samia Khoury (January 8, 2007). "Dishes for Special Occasions". This Week in Palestine. Archived from the original on February 1, 2014. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
  25. ^ "Christian Holidays in the Arab World" (PDF). Alif Institute. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 6, 2007. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
  26. ^ Saekel, Karola (April 4, 2007). "Two Easters in one: East Bay family's meal draws on ancient tradition". San Francisco Gate. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
  27. ^ Paul Adams (March 30, 2002). "The lost city of David". The Globe and Mail. Toronto. Archived from the original on April 12, 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-14.
  28. ^ apronandwhisk (2021-03-28). "Qagħqa tal-Appostli - Maltese Apostle's ring bread". Apron & Whisk. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  29. ^ apronandwhisk (2022-09-10). "Qagħaq tal-Ħmira - Maltese Yeast Rings". Apron & Whisk. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  30. ^ Cuisinie, Maltese (2020-12-05). "Qaghaq tal-Ghasel - Honey Rings". Maltese Cuisine. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  31. ^ "Sesame biscuits - Qaghaq tal-gulglien". A Maltese Mouthful. 2016-06-04. Archived from the original on 2018-04-17. Retrieved 2024-02-25.
  32. ^ Laila El-Haddad. "The Foods of Gaza". This Week in Palestine. Archived from the original on 2014-02-01. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
  33. ^ "Three Faces of Monotheism: Bread Stamp". Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem. Archived from the original on 2008-03-25. Retrieved 2008-03-14.
  34. ^ Assaad, Hisham. "Ka'ak asfar (Palestinian yellow easter bread)". Delicious. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
  35. ^ Shaheen, Blanche (27 March 2022). "Ka'ak Asfar: The Original Easter Bread of the Holy Land". Feast in the Middle East. Retrieved 27 July 2025.
  36. ^ "How to make these crunchy date-filled biscuits". Middle East Eye. 29 May 2019. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  37. ^ El-Haddad, Laila M.; Schmitt, Maggie (2016). The Gaza kitchen: a Palestinian culinary journey (Second ed.). Charlottesville, Virginia: Just World Books. p. 28. ISBN 978-1-68257-008-1. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
  38. ^ "أكلة "المقروطة".. من أين جاء اسمها؟" ["Maqrouta" dish... where did its name come from?]. Lebanon24 (in Arabic). Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  39. ^ ""المقروطة" من الحلويات الصيداويّة... أكلة شعبيّة تحضّر قبل أيام من عيد الفطر (صور)" ["Maqrouta" is a Sidonian dessert...a popular dish prepared a few days before Eid al-Fitr (photos)]. An-Nahar. 21 May 2021. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  40. ^ "حلوى التمرية الفلسطينية "عروس العيد" غير المكلفة" [The inexpensive Palestinian date sweet, "Eid Bride"]. The New Arab (in Arabic). 22 Apr 2023. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  41. ^ Goldman, 2006, pp. 161-163.
  42. ^ a b Qafih, Y. (1982), p. 208
  43. ^ Qafih, Y. (1982), p. 42
  44. ^ a b "Kak" of Kermanshahi people in the list of spiritual heritage (in Persian), 30 January 2013.
  45. ^ Kermanshah souvenirs/ What are the best souvenirs and handicrafts of Kermanshah? (in Persian), 3 April 2018.
  46. ^ ""كعك العيد المالح".. تقليد يسد نقص الحلويات بمخيمات إدلب" ["Salty Eid Cookies": A tradition that fills the sweet shortage in Idlib camps]. Anadolu Agency. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  47. ^ "إدلب تستقبل «الأضحى» بكعك له نكهات المحافظات السورية" [Idlib welcomes Eid al-Adha with cookies featuring the flavors of other Syrian provinces.]. Asharq Al-Awsat (in Arabic). Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  48. ^ "ليبيا... فرقتهم العادات وجمعتهم بهجة العيد" [Libya...traditions separated them and the joy of Eid brought them together]. The Independent (in Arabic). Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  49. ^ "Kaak malih | Traditional Cookie From Libya". Taste Atlas. Retrieved 9 October 2025.
  50. ^ Ottolenghi, Yotam; Tamimi, Sami (16 October 2012). "Abadi Cookies". Jerusalem: A Cookbook. Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed. ISBN 978-1-60774-395-8.

Bibliography

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