Atayef (Katayef)

Atayef 

If there is one dessert that brings the Ramadan spirit then Atayef (Qatayef) is it! This is the only dessert made in Ramadan. Atayef is a Middle Eastern dessert that is similar to a pancake batter. The batter is poured onto a hot iron skillet or a griddle with the same concept of making pancakes. The only difference though is that Atayef batter is cooked only on one side. Once the batter is cooked it can be filled with all kinds of fillings. Traditionally a cheese filling, walnut or coconut.  There is another smaller version of Atayef, what we refer to as Atayef Asafeeri. These are usually half filled with store bought canned cream or a homemade cream called isha. It is then dipped in ground pistachios and drizzled with sugar syrup.

Atayef

2 C Flour

1 C Semolia (smeed na3em)

1 Tablespoon yeast

1 Teaspoon sugar

1/4 Teaspoon baking powder

1/4 Teaspoon baking soda

1/4 Teaspoon mastic (arabic gum)

1/4 Teaspoon mahlab

3 Tablespoons of syrup (atter)

Pinch of salt

3 1/4 C Water

1. In a bow blend all of the ingredients in a bowl.

2. Pour the atayef batter into the blender and blend for 30 seconds.

3. Pour back into the bowl and cover for 20 minutes.

4. Heat the pan or griddle.

5. When the griddle is heated pour the atayef in circles, but do not flip them.  Atayef  is only cooked on one side.

6. When you see the batter dry up and cook you can take it off and let it cool.

7. Continue the same process until all of the batter is finished.