Traditional Middle Eastern Qatayef Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup semolina
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon yeast
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 1/2 cups warm water
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1/4 cup raisins
  • 1/4 cup shredded coconut
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for filling
  • 1 cup white sugar for syrup
  • 1 cup water for syrup
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, semolina, granulated sugar, yeast, and baking powder.
  2. Add warm water to the mixture and stir until you have a smooth batter. Let the batter rest for an hour to allow it to rise.
  3. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat and grease it lightly with vegetable oil. Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the skillet. Cook the pancakes until they are golden brown on the bottom and the top is covered with bubbles. Do not flip the pancakes.
  4. Prepare the filling by mixing together the chopped walnuts, raisins, shredded coconut, ground cinnamon, and sugar. Place a spoonful of the filling on the cooked side of each pancake and then fold it in half, pressing the edges together to seal. Set the filled pancakes aside.
  5. To make the syrup, combine the white sugar and water in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon juice and continue cooking the syrup for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly.
  6. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Fry the filled pancakes in the hot oil until they are golden brown on both sides. Drain on paper towels.
  7. Drizzle the fried pancakes with the prepared syrup before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Experiment with different fillings such as sweet cheese, Nutella, or date paste.
  • Add a touch of rose water or orange blossom water to the batter or the syrup for a fragrant twist.
  • Replace the walnuts with pistachios or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
  • Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the batter for a subtle spice flavor.
  • For a savory variation, stuff the pancakes with a mixture of minced meat, onions, and spices.
  • Try baking the qatayef in the oven instead of frying for a lighter version.
  • Drizzle the qatayef with honey or chocolate syrup instead of the traditional sugar syrup.
  • Add some grated orange or lemon zest to the batter for a citrusy twist.
  • Make a vegan version by substituting the milk in the batter with almond milk and using a vegan-friendly filling.

Recipe overview

Qatayef is a delicious Middle-Eastern dessert that's traditionally enjoyed during the Holy month of Ramadan. This delicacy is essentially a sweet pancake filled with a mixture of nuts, raisins, and coconut, then deep fried to golden perfection. Finally, it's drizzled with a sweet syrup, making this dessert an irresistible treat. Making Qatayef involves three main steps. First, you'll create a simple batter and cook it like a pancake. Unlike typical pancakes, Qatayef pancakes are only cooked on one side, leaving the other side soft and sticky to hold the filling. Then, you'll prepare a sweet and nutty filling that gets sealed inside each pancake. Finally, you'll fry the filled pancakes until they are delightfully crispy, and finish them off with a drizzle of homemade syrup. This recipe takes about 1.5 hours from start to finish. The result is a unique and satisfying dessert that brings a taste of Middle-Eastern tradition to your dinner table.

Common questions

  1. Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and let it rest in the refrigerator overnight. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before cooking the pancakes.
  2. Can I use a different type of flour? While all-purpose flour is commonly used for qatayef, you can experiment with other flours such as whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary.
  3. Can I omit the nuts or use a different type of nuts? Yes, you can omit the nuts if you have any allergies or preferences. You can also substitute walnuts with almonds, pistachios, or any other nuts of your choice.
  4. Can I skip the deep frying and bake the qatayef instead? Yes, you can bake the qatayef instead of deep frying them. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and place the filled qatayef on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown.
  5. Can I use honey instead of sugar for the syrup? Absolutely! If you prefer a honey syrup, you can substitute the white sugar with an equal amount of honey. Just remember that the flavor will be slightly different.
  6. Can I freeze the qatayef? Yes, you can freeze the unfried qatayef for later use. Place them in an airtight container or freezer bag, separating each layer with parchment paper. When ready to use, thaw them in the refrigerator before frying or baking.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Qatayef is a dessert that dates back to the time of the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt, around the 10th century. It is traditionally prepared during the holy month of Ramadan, with markets and bakeries selling the unfilled pancakes for people to take home and fill with their preferred ingredients. Interestingly, the name "Qatayef" translates literally as "the ones that can be picked up," referring to the way the dessert is eaten. This sweet delicacy, filled with a variety of ingredients such as nuts, cheese, or cream, and then deep-fried or baked, has been delighting taste buds for centuries. It's a scrumptious testament to the enduring culinary traditions of the Middle East.

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.