Month: March 2021

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Stuffed Pancakes – Qatayef

Qatayef, also called Atayef are middle eastern stuffed pancakes. The pancakes are similar to the North African pancakes (Baghrir). They are very popular during the holy month of Ramadan in the Middle East.
They can be stuffed with different filling such as Ashta and walnut filling. They are served drizzled with sugar syrup called Ater. I personally prefer to serve them with maple syrup or honey.

The size of the pancakes for Qatayef ( Atayef ) has to be small. I have used the same recipe as the North African pancakes or Baghrir, please check recipe here: https://www.myexcellentdegustations.com/north-african-pancakes-with-tiny-holes-baghrir/

The filling used in this recipe is walnut filling and the middle eastern cream called Ashta, please check recipe here: https://www.myexcellentdegustations.com/mediterranean-cream-ashta/

Once all the Qatayef (Atayef) are stuffed, they are dip fried in vegetable (or canola) oil. I skipped the frying part and brushed the stuffed Atayef with melted butter in both sides then baked them in a 400ย ยฐF preheated oven for about 10 minutes.
These are the fried Qatayef or Atayef.
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Stuffed Pancakes – Qatayef

Course Dessert
Cuisine Middle Eastern cuisine
Keyword Qatayef, Atayef
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12
Author LDSโ€™s Mom

Ingredients

  • About 12 small pancakes or Baghrir, please check the link above for Baghrir recipe
  • About 4 tbsp melted butter

Walnut filling

  • 1 cup crushed walnuts
  • 1 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp orange blossom water

Cream filling

  • 1 cup Ashta, please check recipe link above

Sugar syrup

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp orange blossom water

Garnish

  • Crushed pistachios
  • Honey for serving if you donโ€™t want to use sugar syrup

Instructions

  1. First, prepare the sugar syrup.ย Mix water, sugar and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat.

  2. Bring to a boil then let it continue boiling for about 10 minutes until it thickens a little bit.

  3. Remove from heat and add orange blossom water.

  4. Let cool completely (Itโ€™s preferable to make the syrup ahead of time).

  5. Mix the walnut filling ingredients and set aside.

  6. Place about 1 tablespoon or less of Ashta or walnut filling on the pancake in the center.

  7. Fold the pancake in half.

  8. Start pinching the sides together with your fingertips to seal.

  9. Place on a baking sheet.

  10. Brush with melted butter in both sides.

  11. Bake in 400ยฐF preheated oven for about 10 minutes.

  12. Serve with the syrup (Atar). I personally prefer serving them with honey or maple syrup on top.

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Middle Eastern Cream – Ashta

Ashta is a middle eastern cream that is rich and fragrant with orange blossom water . It is very much used in so many desserts such as Kunafa, Atayef and so many more.
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Middle Eastern Cream – Ashta

Course Desserts
Cuisine Middle Eastern cuisine
Keyword Ashta
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings 4
Author LDSโ€™s Mom

Ingredients

  • 1 cup milk (regular or low fat)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tbsp fine semolina
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp orange blossom water

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, Put milk, heavy cream, sugar, semolina and cornstarch.

  2. Mix everything well. Once the mixture is heated and just started to thicken, reduce the heat to low.

  3. Mix and stir constantly until the cream thickens ( for about 5 minutes or less).

  4. Once the cream starts to bubble, remove from the heat.

  5. Add orange blossom water and mix well.

  6. Pour the cream in a dish. The amount of Ashta obtained is double the amount shown in the picture above.

  7. Cover with plastic wrap to the surface. Let cool at room temperature for about 15 minutes.

  8. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight before use.

Recipe Notes

  • Ashta cream doesnโ€™t have much sugar as it is used in so many desserts that require the add of sugar syrup, honey, etc. You can add a little sugar if you like.

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