Iraqi Kahi – Traditional Recipe – How to Make Iraqi Kahi

Iraqi Kahi – Traditional Recipe – How to Make Iraqi Kahi

Iraqi Kahi is one of the most iconic and beloved dishes of Iraqi cuisine. It is considered a traditional food that holds a special place in the hearts of Iraqis.

This dish is most commonly served for breakfast, and it has become a ritual meal especially during holidays. On the morning of Eid, it is common to see long lines of people waiting outside bakeries to buy freshly made Kahi, before heading to purchase fresh cream (“Qaymar”) from women who come from the countryside. The two—Kahi and Qaymar—are inseparable, making up one of the most cherished Iraqi breakfast combinations.

Although it is a staple in Iraqi households, the origins of Kahi remain unknown. No one knows exactly how it entered Mesopotamia, nor where the name itself comes from. Still, it remains a deeply rooted and treasured dish that symbolizes Iraqi heritage.

Kahi is moderately challenging to prepare at home, but with patience, it can be made successfully by any home cook.

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Ingredients (Serves 8)

 

For the Dough:

• 5 cups flour

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 3 tablespoons oil

• 2 ½ cups water

• 1 ½ cups oil (for brushing the dough)

• ½ cup flour (for dusting the bowl)

• ½ cup flour (for dusting the work surface)

For the Syrup (Qatr):

• 1 cup water

• 4 cups sugar

• 4 teaspoons rose water

• Juice of ½ lemon

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Preparation

Step 1 – Make the Syrup:

1. Wash and squeeze half a lemon to get about ½ tablespoon juice.

2. In a saucepan, add the water, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil until the sugar dissolves completely.

3. Remove from heat, add rose water, and let it cool completely.

Step 2 – Prepare the Dough:

1. Warm the water slightly in a pot.

2. In a mixing bowl, add flour, salt, and 3 tablespoons oil. Mix well.

3. Pour in half the warm water, mix, then gradually add the rest of the water until a smooth, cohesive dough forms.

4. Place the dough in a floured bowl, cover, and let it rest until it rises.

Step 3 – Shape and Bake:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (about 390°F).

2. Dust your work surface with flour and roll out the dough into thin squares.

3. Brush the surface of the dough with oil. Fold both sides toward the center so the dough forms a rectangle.

4. Brush again with oil, then fold both sides inward once more to form a square.

5. Place on a baking tray and bake for about 20 minutes, until golden and crisp.

Step 4 – Finish and Serve:

1. Once baked, remove from the oven and immediately pour the prepared syrup over the hot Kahi.

2. Serve warm, ideally alongside fresh Iraqi Qaymar (cream).

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Sahtein – Bon Appétit!