Qatayef Asafiri
Little Bird Qatayef
Qatayef Asafiri are delicate, mini pancakes traditionally filled with a sweet, creamy 'ashta' (clotted cream or ricotta mixture) and often drizzled with syrup. Originating from the Levant, these 'little bird' qatayef are a popular sweet treat, especially during Ramadan, offering a light and delightful dessert experience.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Fine semolina
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Instant yeast
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 2 cups Lukewarm water
- 1/2 cup Milk
- For the Ashta Filling:
- 1 cup Milk
- 1.5 tablespoons Cornstarch
- 200 g Ricotta cheese(drained)
- 1/2 teaspoon Orange blossom water
- to taste Sugar syrup
- for garnish Ground pistachios
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
For the batter: In a blender, combine flour, semolina, sugar, baking powder, yeast, and salt. Add the lukewarm water and milk. Blend for 2 minutes until smooth. Let the batter rest, covered, for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- 2
After resting, blend the batter again for 30 seconds. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour small circles of batter (about 2-3 inches in diameter) onto the hot skillet. Cook until the surface dries and bubbles appear, then carefully remove and place on a clean towel. Do not flip. Cover with a towel to keep them moist.
- 3
For the Ashta filling: In a saucepan, whisk together 1 cup of milk and cornstarch until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a pudding-like consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the ricotta cheese and orange blossom water until well combined. Let it cool completely, then refrigerate.
- 4
Once the ashta is cool, transfer it to a piping bag. Gently shape each qatayef pancake into a cone by pinching one side to seal, leaving an opening for the filling.
- 5
Pipe the cooled ashta filling into each qatayef cone. Be generous but don't overfill.
- 6
Arrange the filled qatayef on a serving platter. Drizzle generously with sugar syrup and sprinkle with ground pistachios.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure your skillet is well-heated before pouring the batter for even cooking.
- ✓Do not overcook the qatayef pancakes; they should be pale on the bottom and cooked through on top.
- ✓The ashta filling must be completely cool before filling the qatayef to prevent them from becoming soggy.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes suggest frying the filled qatayef until golden brown before drizzling with syrup for a crispier texture.
- For a different flavor, add a touch of rose water to the ashta filling.
- If ricotta is unavailable, a thick, homemade clotted cream can be used.