Egyptian Qatayef (Folded Semolina Pancakes Stuffed With Nuts)

Qatayef, a beloved dessert during Ramadan, is an Arabic pancake filled with various sweet or savory fillings. The traditional dish is typically filled with nuts and cream, while savory options like minced meat or cheese are also enjoyed.

Egyptian Qatayef Recipe: What Is The Delicious Ramadan Dessert

Qatayef comes in two main types: the regular large size and the smaller Asafiri. The larger ones are typically fried or baked, while Asafiri is served without additional cooking. The sweet or savory pastry is high in calories, making it perfect for replenishing energy after fasting during Ramadan. Its delightful, melt-in-the-mouth texture makes it an Egyptian favorite. The key to perfect Qatayef lies in the dough. Once you master that, you can fill it with your preferred ingredients.

The dish symbolizes sharing and celebration, making it perfect for Iftar gatherings. These delectable pancakes, traditionally prepared only during the holy month, bring a sense of nostalgia and joy to the festivities. It is a great treat to serve during Ramadan.

Ingredients Needed For Egyptian Qatayef

  • 375g all-purpose flour
  • 115g semolina
  • 1 tsp instant yeast
  • 1 cup oil
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • 37g sugar
  • 4 cups warm water
  • Filling: nuts, sugar, cinnamon, butter, coconut
  • Konafa syrup

Directions For How To Make Egyptian Qatayef

Put a little filling in the middle of the qatayef and close it well from the sides
And now we will fry the qatayef in the oil - bring a frying pan and put the oil in it and let it heat up and then add the qatayef
  1. Prepare the semolina. Use a food processor to grind semolina to a smooth texture.
  2. Mix the dough. Mix flour, baking powder, yeast, baking soda, sugar, water, and ground semolina in a food processor. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.
  3. Cook the dough. Pour batter onto a preheated, non-stick pan. Cook until bubbles form, and the surface turns golden. For Asafiri, use the same batter but do not cook further after shaping.
  4. Prepare the filling. Mix the nuts, sugar, cinnamon, butter, and coconut in a small bowl.
  5. Prepare the Qatayef. Fill the Qatayef, close the edges, and fry until golden brown. For a healthier version, you could also bake the Qatayef in the oven.
  6. Serve. Drizzle with syrup and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy Qatayef with a cup of Arabic coffee or mint tea for a perfect end to your Iftar meal.

How To Store Qatayef

If you have extra Qatayef, save them for later and freeze them. Place the Qatayef in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for 3 months.

Pro Tips

  • Smooth Consistency: Adjust the water to achieve a smooth, liquid batter. A thinner batter ensures even cooking.
  • Fermentation of the Dough: Avoid over-fermenting to prevent excessive bubbling during cooking.
  • How To Cook: Use a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and ensure an even golden color.
Egyptian Qatayef Tips – Ramadan Desserts

Egyptian Qatayef Recipe – Ramadan Desserts

KalyKaly
Qatayef, a beloved dessert during Ramadan, is an Arabic pancake filled with various sweet or savory fillings. The traditional dish is typically filled with nuts and cream, while savory options like minced meat or cheese are also enjoyed.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 260 kcal

Equipment

  • Non-stick frying pan
  • big bowl
  • silicone spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 375 grams all-purpose flour
  • 115 grams semolina
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1 cup oil
  • 1 Small spoonful baking powder
  • Half teaspoon sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
  • 37 grams sugar
  • 4 cups warm water
  • 1 nuts
  • 1 spoon sugar
  • 1 pinch cinnamon
  • 1 spoon butter spoon
  • 1 spoon coconut
  • 1 cup Konafa syrup cup

Instructions
 

  • Add semolina to the grinder and grind for a minute to make it smooth. Then, add the multi-use flour, baking powder, yeast, baking soda,sugar, water)
  • Blend all the ingredients in the food processor for 1 minute at most until the mixture reaches the liquid level. Cover the mixture and leave it for 10 minutes.
  • Preheat a non-stick pan on medium heat. Put a little of the Qatayef batter on the pan and cook it until it begins to bubble. When the Qatayef takes on a golden color, it is ready.
  • After cooking, shape the Qatayef. Using a spoon, put a little of the Qatayef dough in the pan and continue in the same way as before. Close half of the Asaferi Qatayef and put them on a plate because we will stuff them without any cooking
  • Prepare the filling. Add the nuts to the coconut, the sugar to the cinnamon, and a spoonful of butter to a bowl and stir well.
  • Fill the Qatayef. Put a little filling in the middle of the Qatayef and close it well from the sides.
  • Prepare the oil to fry the Qatayef. Prepare a frying pan, put the oil in it, and let it heat up. Add the Qatayef when the oil is ready. Cook the Qatayef until it turns golden brown, and then remove them from the oil.
  • Let the Qatayef dry from the oil, and top with syrup.

Notes

Qatayef can be cooked using the oven grill – put the Qatayef in a lightly greased dish, then grease the Qatayef with a little oil and put it in the oven under the grill for 3 minutes on each side. 
Keyword Egyptian Qatayef Recipe, Ramadan Desserts

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