Embark on a sweet culinary adventure with Quintessential Qatayef, a cherished dessert in Middle Eastern cuisine. These delightful pancakes, often enjoyed during festive occasions, are filled with a luscious mixture of sweet cheese or nuts and then baked or fried to golden perfection. Drizzled with fragrant syrup, Qatayef are a perfect balance of crispy and creamy textures, making each bite a heavenly experience.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes (including batter resting)
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 6 people
- Serving Size: 2-3 pancakes
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 8 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fat: 12 g (varies depending on frying or baking)
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
Ingredients
For the Pancakes
- All-purpose flour: 200 grams (7.1 ounces / 0.44 pounds)
- Semolina: 50 grams (1.76 ounces / 0.11 pounds)
- Dry yeast: 5 grams (0.18 ounces / 0.01 pounds)
- Sugar: 10 grams (0.35 ounces / 0.022 pounds)
- Warm water: 250 ml (8.5 ounces / 0.55 pounds)
- Salt: a pinch
For the Filling
- Sweet cheese (like Akkawi or Ricotta): 200 grams (7.1 ounces / 0.44 pounds)
- Ground cinnamon and sugar: to taste
For the Syrup
- Sugar: 200 grams (7.1 ounces / 0.44 pounds)
- Water: 120 ml (4 ounces / 0.25 pounds)
- Lemon juice: 15 ml (0.5 ounce / 0.03 pounds)
- Orange blossom water: 5 ml (0.17 ounce / 0.01 pounds)
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Making the Batter: Whisk together flour, semolina, yeast, sugar, salt, and warm water. Let the batter rest for 30 minutes.
- Cooking Pancakes: Pour small amounts of batter onto a hot, non-stick pan. Cook until bubbles form, then flip and cook briefly.
- Preparing Filling: Mix the sweet cheese with cinnamon and sugar.
- Filling Pancakes: Place filling on half of each pancake and fold into a half-moon shape.
- Making Syrup: Boil sugar and water, add lemon juice, and simmer until thick. Stir in orange blossom water.
- Finishing Touches: Either bake or fry the stuffed pancakes. Drizzle with syrup before serving.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Ensure the pancakes are only cooked on one side; the uncooked side will help to seal the filling.
- Adjust the sweetness of the filling and syrup according to your preference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Qatayef be made ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the pancakes ahead and stuff them just before serving.
Is there a vegan alternative for the filling?
A mixture of nuts and cinnamon can be used as a vegan filling.
How long does Qatayef stay fresh?
Best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.