Delicious and Simple Qatayef Recipe: A Beloved Middle Eastern Dessert
What is Qatayef?
Qatayef is a cherished dessert across the Middle East, especially enjoyed during the holy month of Ramadan. These delightful pastries are essentially small, folded pancakes filled with a variety of sweet ingredients such as nuts, cream, or sweetened cheese. The exterior becomes wonderfully crispy when fried and is drenched in a sticky sugar syrup, giving it a perfect balance of crunch and sweetness. Travelers visiting Iraq will find Qatayef in bakeries and homes, especially during Ramadan evenings when it’s served to break the fast.
If you’re planning a visit to Iraq or want to recreate this traditional dessert at home, follow this step-by-step Qatayef recipe. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need—from preparing the dough to making the syrup and selecting the right fillings.
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Ingredients for Qatayef Dough, Syrup, and Fillings
To create authentic Qatayef at home, you’ll need three main components: the dough, the sugar syrup, and the filling. Let’s start by listing the required ingredients for each part.
Ingredients for the Dough:
1 cup all-purpose flour
½ cup semolina
½ cup milk
½ cup water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon yeast
Ingredients for the Sugar Syrup (Shira):
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Suggested Fillings:
Chopped nuts (like pistachios, almonds, or walnuts)
Sweet cheese (such as mozzarella or cream cheese)
Thick cream (qishta or clotted cream)
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How to Prepare the Qatayef Dough
The dough is the heart of the Qatayef recipe. It is soft and airy, with just the right texture to absorb the syrup while staying crispy on the outside. Here’s how to make the dough:
1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the flour, semolina, baking powder, yeast, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix these ingredients well to ensure they are evenly distributed.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix the milk and vanilla extract. Stir well until the vanilla blends smoothly into the milk.
3. Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Slowly pour the milk mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients while stirring continuously. Add water gradually until the mixture forms a smooth batter without lumps.
4. Let the Dough Rest:
Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel and leave it in a warm place for 20-30 minutes to allow the yeast to activate. The batter should become bubbly and slightly thicker during this resting period.
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Making the Sugar Syrup (Shira)
The syrup is essential for adding sweetness to the Qatayef. Follow these steps to prepare the perfect syrup:
1. Mix Ingredients:
In a saucepan, combine 2 cups of sugar, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir well.
2. Heat the Mixture:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Simmer the Syrup:
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the syrup thickens.
4. Cool the Syrup:
Remove the syrup from the heat and allow it to cool completely before using it. A cooled syrup will adhere better to the fried Qatayef, giving them the right texture and sweetness.
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Cooking the Qatayef Pancakes
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to cook the Qatayef pancakes. This step determines the dessert’s texture and quality. Follow these steps carefully:
1. Preheat a Non-Stick Pan:
Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Make sure the pan is warm but not too hot to prevent the pancakes from burning.
2. Pour the Batter:
Transfer the batter into a pouring jug or a ladle. Pour small circles of batter (around 3 inches in diameter) onto the hot pan.
3. Watch for Bubbles:
As the pancakes cook, you’ll notice bubbles forming on the surface. Wait until the bubbles disappear and the surface looks dry—this usually takes about 2 minutes.
4. Remove from Heat:
Lift the Qatayef pancakes off the pan carefully and place them on a clean kitchen towel. Cover them with the towel to prevent them from drying out.
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Filling and Folding the Qatayef
With the pancakes ready, it’s time to fill them with your desired ingredients and fold them. Here’s how to do it:
1. Add the Filling:
Place a spoonful of your chosen filling—nuts, sweet cheese, or cream—in the center of each pancake.
2. Seal the Edges:
Fold the pancake in half and press the edges together firmly to seal. If using nuts, you can leave a small opening at the top for decorative purposes.
3. Prepare for Frying:
Keep the filled Qatayef covered with a towel to prevent them from drying out before frying.
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Frying the Qatayef for a Crispy Finish
For a traditional Qatayef experience, frying is essential. The golden-brown exterior creates the perfect contrast with the soft filling inside.
1. Heat the Oil:
Fill a frying pan with vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat.
2. Fry the Qatayef:
Carefully place the filled Qatayef in the hot oil. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain the Excess Oil:
Remove the fried Qatayef and place them on paper towels to absorb the excess oil.
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Drenching the Qatayef in Sugar Syrup
The final step is to coat the fried Qatayef in the sugar syrup, giving them their signature sweetness.
1. Dip the Qatayef in Syrup:
While the Qatayef are still warm, dip them into the cooled sugar syrup. Make sure they are fully coated for maximum flavor.
2. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the syrup-drenched Qatayef to a serving plate. You can sprinkle additional chopped nuts on top for extra flavor and presentation.
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A Must-Try Dessert During Ramadan
Qatayef is more than just a dessert—it’s a beloved tradition across the Middle East, bringing families together during Ramadan. Whether filled with nuts, cheese, or cream, these crispy pastries offer a delightful combination of textures and flavors. Travelers visiting Iraq will encounter this iconic sweet dish at local markets, bakeries, and Ramadan gatherings, making it a must-try experience. Now that you have the full recipe, you can bring a piece of this tradition into your home, no matter where you are in the world.