Kleina

Kleina

A plate of Kleina

Kleina is a traditional pastry from the Icelandic cuisine. It is a deep-fried doughnut-like pastry that is typically enjoyed as a snack or dessert.

Ingredients

To make Kleina, you will need the following ingredients:

• 500 grams of all-purpose flour
• 100 grams of sugar
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 100 grams of butter, melted
• 2 eggs
• 200 milliliters of milk
• Vegetable oil for frying

Preparation

To prepare Kleina, follow these steps:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. 2. Add the melted butter to the dry ingredients and mix well. 3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. 4. Gradually add the egg and milk mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring until a dough forms. 5. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface until it becomes smooth and elastic. 6. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for about 30 minutes. 7. Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. 8. Cut the dough into small rectangles or diamond shapes, approximately 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. 9. Make a small slit in the center of each piece of dough. 10. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to a temperature of about 180°C (350°F). 11. Carefully drop a few pieces of dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides. 12. Remove the fried Kleina from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. 13. Repeat the frying process with the remaining dough. 14. Allow the Kleina to cool before serving.

Serving

Kleina is typically served at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a cup of coffee or tea. Some people like to sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the Kleina for added sweetness.

Variations

There are several variations of Kleina across different regions. In some recipes, cardamom is added to the dough to give it a unique flavor. Others may include a touch of vanilla extract or lemon zest for added aroma. Additionally, some people prefer to dip their Kleina in chocolate or caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.

See also

• Icelandic cuisine
• Doughnut
• Pastry