Ingredients
Units
For the dough:
- 1 Tbsp dry active yeast
- ½ tsp sugar
- ½ cup lukewarm water
- 3½-4½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ cup barley flour
- ⅓ cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup milk or almond milk
- ¾ cup olive oil
- 2 eggs
For the filling:
- 1 cup dried figs, cut in half
- 1 cup pitted dates
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup wine or grape juice
- 1 Tbsp pomegranate molasses
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the topping: (topping is optional)
- date honey (silan)
- slivered almonds
Instructions
- Place yeast and sugar in a small bowl. Add lukewarm water and set aside until foamy, around 5-10 minutes.
- In a stand mixer fitted with dough hook or a large bowl, mix together flours, sugar, vanilla and cinnamon. Start with 3½ cups of flour, and add more later if dough seems too sticky. Add milk and olive oil.
- Add the eggs one at a time.
- When the dough begins to come together, after about 3-5 minutes, turn out onto a floured surface and knead vigorously for 5-10 minutes. Or if using a stand mixer, switch to high and mix another 4-5 minutes. Dough should be shiny, elastic and very soft when it is done. If dough is sticking too much, add more flour ¼ cup at a time until dough is not longer sticking.
- Place dough in a greased bowl with a damp towel on top. Allow to rise 1-2 hours.
- While dough is rising, make filling.
- Combine all filling ingredient in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce for 10 minutes, until liquid has reduced to slightly more than half. Allow to cool slightly. Place in food processor and pulse.
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Cut dough into two parts. Roll out each section of dough until it is a rectangular-like shape. Spread with filling. Working from the shorter side, roll up dough using quick fingers, like you would in order to make cinnamon rolls.
- Once the dough is a long log, cut it straight down the middle so the filling is exposed. Secure the ends on one side, and twist both the pieces . Pinch and secure at the other end. Repeat with second half of dough.
- Place in a greased loaf pan. Allow to rise another 10-20 minutes. Sprinkle top with slivered almonds if desired (this step is optional).
- Bake for 30-35 minutes.
- Top with date honey if desired.
Notes
- You can also replace filling with store-bought fig jam.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes + 2 hours rise time
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Holiday