Traditional Atayef Recipe: A Middle Eastern Delicacy

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon instant yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 2 cups warm water
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon orange blossom water
  • 1 cup simple syrup
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and salt. Add the warm water gradually while stirring until you have a smooth batter. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm place to rise for about an hour.
  2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour small amounts of batter to form pancakes. Cook the pancakes only on one side until the surface is filled with bubbles and the edges are slightly golden. Remove from the pan and let them cool.
  3. Prepare the filling by mixing the ricotta cheese, chopped walnuts, powdered sugar, and orange blossom water in a bowl.
  4. Once the pancakes are cool enough to handle, fill each one with a spoonful of the cheese filling and fold it over to seal the edges.
  5. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the stuffed pancakes, a few at a time, until they are golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
  6. Drizzle the fried Atayef with simple syrup before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier version.
  • Replace the ricotta cheese with cream cheese or mascarpone for a creamier filling.
  • Add a pinch of cinnamon or cardamom to the batter for extra flavor.
  • Instead of walnuts, try using pistachios or almonds in the filling.
  • Add a tablespoon of rosewater or vanilla extract to the cheese filling for a different aroma.
  • For a savory variation, substitute the cheese filling with minced meat mixed with spices like cumin and coriander.
  • Serve Atayef with a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce instead of simple syrup.
  • Sprinkle powdered sugar or ground cinnamon on top of the fried Atayef for additional sweetness and flavor.
  • Replace the frying method with baking in the oven for a healthier alternative.

Recipe overview

Atayef or Qatayef is a delicious traditional Middle Eastern dessert that's often enjoyed during Ramadan. These sweet, syrupy pancakes filled with a rich and creamy filling are certainly a treat to look forward to. This delightful dessert consists of little pancakes that are cooked only on one side, then filled with a ricotta and walnut mixture before being deep-fried to a crispy golden brown. A final drizzle of simple syrup adds a touch of sweetness. This recipe will guide you through the process of making your own Atayef at home, from preparing the pancake batter to creating the filling and the final frying process. Whether you've had Atayef before or this is your first time, you'll find this recipe to be straight-forward and the results delicious. Enjoy this sweet treat warm or at room temperature for a dessert that's sure to impress.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling? Yes, you can use a different type of cheese based on your preference. Traditional options include Akkawi or unsalted white cheese, but ricotta cheese works well too.
  2. Can I substitute orange blossom water with another flavor? Yes, if you don't have orange blossom water, you can use rose water or vanilla extract as alternatives for flavoring the filling.
  3. Can I make the batter ahead of time? It is recommended to make the batter fresh and use it immediately for best results. Preparing the batter ahead of time may affect the texture of the pancakes.
  4. Can I bake the Atayef instead of frying them? Traditionally, Atayef is fried to achieve a crispy texture. Baking them may result in a different texture and taste, but you can certainly experiment with baking if desired.
  5. How do I store leftover Atayef? If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be enjoyed within 1-2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven for a few minutes until warmed through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the batter and allowing it to rise.
  • Non-stick Pan - A pan for cooking the pancakes, ensuring they don't stick to the surface.
  • Spoon - Used for mixing the batter and filling, as well as for scooping the cheese filling into the pancakes.
  • Kitchen Towel - To cover the bowl of batter while it rises.
  • Paper Towels - For draining the fried Atayef after frying.
  • Deep Fryer or Large Saucepan - For frying the filled pancakes.
  • Serving Plate - A plate or platter for presenting the Atayef.

Origin stories

Atayef, also known as "Arabic pancakes," is a sweet delicacy that hails from the Middle East, particularly enjoyed during the holy month of Ramadan. This dessert carries the spirit of celebration and togetherness, often prepared for the Iftar meal when Muslim families break their fast. The tradition of serving Atayef during Ramadan is said to date back to the Fatimid Caliphate, making it a dessert with a rich history of over a thousand years. As the sun sets and the day of fasting ends, there's a certain joy that comes with biting into these warm, syrup-drenched pancakes, which is shared across generations and regions, from Egypt to Palestine to Syria. The dessert’s simple ingredients and method of preparation have remained virtually unchanged over the centuries, making Atayef a timeless symbol of Middle Eastern culinary heritage.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.