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    You Are Here Home » Sweets Recipes

    Published: Dec 6, 2018 Updated: Feb 12, 2022 by Hilda Sterner | This post may contain affiliate links 27 Comments

    Kadeh Recipe (Assyrian Roux-Filled Pastry)

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    kadeh pastry pin

    This is one of those posts where if you're Assyrian you're probably thinking "yes, finally!" But if not, you are asking yourself, "what is this kadeh recipe you speak of?" Sometimes called "Chada," this Assyrian pastry is traditionally baked for Easter and Christmas and is similar to Armenian Nazook.

    chada pastry stacked onto of each other

    About This Recipe

    Although I can't be certain, I imagine this recipe was invented out of necessity. When other filling ingredients were not available, butter and flour were. However the idea for this recipe came about, I'm just thankful that someone came up with a Kadeh Recipe.

    When I think back to the '70s, I remember the huge family gatherings, where food, chai, and alcohol flowed. Although I didn't appreciate those days back then, I sure miss them now.

    Kadeh brings back fond memories of the older generation (mostly gone now) enjoying an afternoon treat with their chai.

    Back then I didn't like this Assyrian pastry. I preferred kileche, because they were sweeter and filled with dates, coconut, or walnuts.

    Perhaps I had to mature into liking Chadeh. Wait, does the fact that I like them now mean I'm finally mature? 😉

    How to Make Kadeh/Chadeh

    Step 1 | Proof Yeast

    Add yeast and 1 tsp. sugar to warm water. Mix and set aside for ten minutes.

    foaming yeast in a cup

    Step 2 | Knead Dough

    Add the remaining dough ingredients in a large bowl, followed by the yeast mixture. Knead until the dough comes together. You can use a mixer if you prefer. Mark a cross in the center of the dough, cover, and place in a warm spot for one hour.

    cchada dough in a bowl
    Traditionally, a "cross" is marked in the dough before setting it aside to rise.

    I once asked my mother why she and other Assyrians marked chada and kileche dough with a "cross." Mom explained that it was a way for the Assyrians to display their Christian faith when they were being persecuted and forced to convert to Islam during the Assyrian Genocide which took place in 1915 during WWI. The cross demonstrated that no matter what, their faith could not be taken from them.

    Step 3 | Prepare the Roux

    Melt butter in a large saucepan. Add oil, flour, salt, and sugar (if using). Stir over medium heat for approximately 30 minutes, or until the roux is light brown in color. It should resemble peanut butter. Set aside to cool.

    roux in a pan
    The roux is toasted slowly for 30 minutes, which deepens the flavor
    roux in a pan
    As it's cooked, the roux should have a color resembling peanut butter.

    Step 4 | Assemble the Chada

    Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

    Flour your work surface and divide the dough in half. Roll out one portion into a large circle. Cover half of the circle with half of the roux. Leave ½" border around the edges.

    Dough covered with roux

    Fold the dough in half, and braid the edges together, or use a fork to crimp the edges.

    Step 5 | Baking Instructions

    Carefully transfer the Chada onto a cookie sheet and prick the top with a fork. Brush the Chada with the glaze and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using. Bake for 30 minutes, or until nicely browned, while you work on the second one.

    unbaked chada
    baked cadeh or chada on a baking sheet

    Kadeh Recipe Variations

    Before I go any further, I want to explain the variations in spelling. This is due to the various dialects that Assyrian tribes have. For example, my family pronounced the name of this recipe with a "ch" sound, which is why I call them "chada" or "chadeh" (plural).

    Many Assyrians, on the other hand, pronounces the word with the "k" sound instead, "kadah" or "Kadeh" (plural).

    Chadeh can be either savory (how my family prepared them), or they can be sweetened by adding sugar to the roux.

    There are shape variations as well. Chadeh can be shaped into a circle or half-circle (as in this recipe). They are cut into serving-sized portions after cooling off. Although not traditional, some also make individual-sized Chadeh.

    sliced chadeh

    Related Recipes

    • Halwa Recipe (Assyrian Halva)
    • Nougat Bars (Mann Al Sama)
    • Mom's Orange Bundt Cake (Caka't Pertikaleh)
    • Assyrian Sugar Cubes (Shachar D'Shlama)
    chada (pastry) with slices next to it

    Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.

    Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!

    Don't forget to check out my  Classic Middle Eastern Food Combinations.

    chada slices piles on top of each other

    Kadeh Recipe (Assyrian Roux-Filled Pastry)

    Roux-filled Assyrian pastry known as "kadeh" or "chada."
    4.67 from 12 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: Assyrian
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Resting Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour
    Servings: 24 servings
    Calories: 188kcal
    Author: Hilda Sterner

    Ingredients

    Dough

    • 1¼ teaspoon yeast
    • 1 teaspoon sugar
    • ¼ cup warm water
    • 3 cups flour
    • 3 tablespoon sugar
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 4 tablespoon butter (melted)
    • ¼ cup vegetable oil
    • ⅓ cup yogurt
    • 1 large egg

    Roux Filling

    • 10 tablespoon unsalted butter
    • 2 tablespoon vegetable oil
    • 1½ cup all-purpose flour
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 2 tablespoon sugar (optional)

    Glaze

    • 1 medium egg
    • 1 teaspoon sugar

    Topping

    • 2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

    Instructions

    • Add yeast and 1 tsp. sugar to warm water. Mix and set aside for ten minutes.
    • Add the remaining dough ingredients in a large bowl, followed by the yeast mixture. Knead until the dough comes together. You can use a mixer if you prefer.
    • Mark a cross in the center of the dough, cover, and place in a warm spot for one hour.

    Roux

    • Melt butter in a large saucepan. Add oil, flour, salt, and sugar (if using). Stir over medium heat for approximately 30 minutes, or until the roux is light brown in color. It should resemble peanut butter. Set aside to cool.

    Assembly/Baking Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
    • Flour your work surface and divide the dough in half. Roll out one portion into a large circle. 
    • Cover half of the circle with half of the roux. Leave ½" border around the edges. Fold the dough in half, and braid the edges together, or use a fork to crimp the edges.
    • Carefully transfer the chada onto a cookie sheet. Prick the top with a fork, then brush with the glaze. Sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using.
    • Bake for 30 minutes, or until nicely browned, while you work on the second one.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1piece | Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 81mg | Fiber: 0g | Sugar: 2g
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @HildasKitchenBlog or tag #HildasKitchenBlog!
    « Kileche | Kleicha (Assyrian Holiday Cookies)
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Zeina says

      May 01, 2022 at 5:48 pm

      Hilda,
      God bless you for posting your mom's delicious recipe.
      I made these for my son's wedding and they turned out absolutely delicious. Thank you so much!
      Zeina

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        May 01, 2022 at 6:04 pm

        Hi Zeina,
        Thank you so much for the sweet comment and my God bless you, your son, and his new marriage!

        Reply
        • Zeina says

          May 10, 2022 at 1:50 pm

          Dearest Hilda,
          Thank you so much, I truly appreciate that.
          Also, wanted to give you an update. EVERYONE at the Church loved them! My husband said he hasn't had Kadeh this good since 1970 back home. How's that for a compliment to your mom's recipe? Again, God bless you and thank you for posting.
          Sincerely,
          Zeina

          Reply
          • Hilda Sterner says

            May 10, 2022 at 1:52 pm

            WOW! That is a great compliment, I am honored and humbled, thank you so much!

            Reply
    2. Emita says

      March 15, 2022 at 1:52 am

      5 stars
      I’m so glad that I’ve found your site! I was never able to find the right recipe for Kadeh but now I do have the best one :))
      Thank you so much! I made them and they were super delicious and everyone loved them!
      But I only wish the recipe was for a larger batch! Would you be kind and help me double or even triple the recipe for the dough only!
      I appreciate it! Thank you again!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        March 15, 2022 at 6:57 am

        Hi Emita
        I'm glad you found my site too and that you and everyone else enjoyed the chadeh! Regarding doubling the servings, jump down to the recipe card and click the serving size (24) which is highlighted in pink. You'll see a slider that you can drag to increase the servings. Just slide it to 48!

        Reply
    3. Sylvie Sarkosh says

      February 12, 2022 at 11:56 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you

      Reply
    4. JoAnne says

      July 01, 2021 at 6:39 am

      5 stars
      Remembering the smell and taste from my childhood. Thanks for this recipe . I can make it myself.

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        July 01, 2021 at 7:16 am

        Thank you, JoAnne, I'm so happy you found the recipe and the fond memories it brings back. Also, thank you so much for coming back and reviewing the recipe. I really appreciate it!

        Reply
    5. Madlen says

      February 15, 2021 at 9:50 pm

      I try it every body loves it so delicious ty for sharing

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        February 16, 2021 at 6:49 am

        Thank you, Madlen, enjoy!

        Reply
    6. Lisa Arnold says

      September 23, 2020 at 6:13 pm

      My mom is Assyrian and grew up in Chicago. My Grandfather used to go to Turlock, CA to visit friends. Thats about all I remember about that...one of my uncles married an Iranian woman (Assyrian) who made a sweet version of Kadeh. Would you know how much sugar to add to the roux to make it sweet? I want to try to make both. I just remember as a child I didn't like the savory version but boy the whole family would get very excited when my aunt made it!

      Reply
      • Hilda Sterner says

        September 24, 2020 at 2:43 pm

        It seems half of the Assyrians went to Chicago when they came to America, and the other half ended up in Turlock. My family ended up in Chicago, but the other half is in Turlock. Regarding the sweet Chada, you must have missed it, it's in the recipe. The 2 tablespoons of sugar (listed as optional). After adding the sugar, you can taste the roux to see if it's sweet enough. If you want it sweeter, you can add more. Another option would be to mix in date syrup or honey. As always, start with a smaller amount and increase the amount if you want it sweeter. Good luck and let me know how it goes!

        Reply
    7. Orange says

      July 19, 2020 at 7:08 pm

      Before availability of refined sugar, grape syrup were used in the Urmia, where Assyrians in Iran were concentrated, on the Iraqi side it was Date Syrup, even though sugar is really native to Euphrates and Tigris confluence, The Portuguese arrival in the Persian Gulf 1507, resulted in its transplantation to Brazil and the rest of Caribbean, and ushered the manifestation of rampant and repugnant enslavement of Africans and Indians Indentured labourers which its repercussion is felt , as well at that period the International Currency was Portuguese Real, which is name is still in use in the Gulf countries as Rial! The Kadeh and Nazooygeh are both of Armenia origin!
      The use of alternative substances to sugar should be preferable as it is healthier! Russia has a large Armenian population and is very common to find these two victuals there, in contrast to the Assyrian variety , they have subtler taste and flavour!

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        July 19, 2020 at 8:30 pm

        Great history lesson! Thank you very much for your comment.

        Reply
    8. Katherine S. says

      July 19, 2020 at 6:53 pm

      My Assyrian grandmother (Turlock, CA) always made a version of this. As a kid, I had a real sweet tooth, but I loved chada.

      I have her Assyrian Cookbook put together by the Assyrian Presbyterian Church of Yonkers in 1959. No yogurt in their version; evaporated milk and warm milk.

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        July 19, 2020 at 6:59 pm

        Thanks for sharing that info. What's the name of her book? I have a collection of Assyrian cookbooks. One day I hope to have them all!

        Reply
    9. Mitzi Buchanan says

      June 13, 2020 at 2:55 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for posting this! I made this with my grandmother many years ago but couldn't remember any of the details, except waiting for the dough to rise and making designs on the unbaked chada with a thimble.

      I didn't have yogurt, so I added a little milk instead. Also, since every store is out of yeast right now, I used some bread machine yeast (the only kind I could find) but was able to adapt it according to the instructions on the jar. Now I can enjoy this very Assyrian treat again 🙂

      I can relate to your stories about the older folks and their chada and chai - our group was based in San Jose, CA. Great memories!

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        June 13, 2020 at 4:46 pm

        I'm so happy that you were able to reminisce about the good old days while baking the Chada. Also, I'm glad you were able to adapt the recipe to the ingredients that you had at home. Good job!

        Reply
    10. Edna says

      February 19, 2020 at 7:23 pm

      5 stars
      Nice one
      I try and loved it
      Thank you

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        February 19, 2020 at 7:48 pm

        Thank you, Edna. I appreciate your review.

        Reply
    11. Frosso David says

      January 24, 2020 at 10:06 pm

      Thank you for this recipe, I will try it .I love baking and I like to try different recipes.

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        January 25, 2020 at 5:16 am

        Hi Frosso, Thanks for the comment. I hope you enjoy it!

        Reply
    12. Paulin says

      April 27, 2019 at 4:17 pm

      4 stars
      Hello ? Thank you for posting this recipe. It is so hard to come by. I am planning on making this recipe for Christmas and just need clarification on a couple things: Are you using salted butter? In the roux can I use date syrup or grape syrup and how much?

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        April 27, 2019 at 4:43 pm

        Hi Paulin,
        Thanks for your comment. I use unsalted butter, which is why I add salt, both to the dough and the roux. However, if you prefer using salted butter, just leave out the extra salt. I've never used date syrup or grape syrup in the roux, and neither did anyone else in my family. I would start with the recipe as is. But if you really want to add date syrup, I'd try one or two tablespoons towards the end of the roux process. Good luck, let me know how it goes! Maybe I can get your rating up to 5 stars once you make the kadeh! ?

        Reply
    13. 2pots2cook says

      December 26, 2018 at 9:27 am

      5 stars
      So glad to find your site. I am not Assyrian but truly and honestly in love with history and the heritage your people have left . Subscribed ! Happy holidays !

      Reply
      • HildaSterner says

        December 26, 2018 at 10:05 am

        Thank you for stopping by, and for your comment. I really appreciate my subscribers, so thanks for taking the time to do that. Heading over to your page now! 🙂 Happy Holidays!

        Reply

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