Ataif / Kataif

Ataif or Kataif is a Middle Eastern dessert typically served during Ramadan.  These little stuffed pancakes are fried and drenched in a delicious rose water scented sugar syrup.  There are various fillings, but sweet cheese filling is one of our favs.

Sugar Syrup (qater)

2 Cups Sugar

1 Cup Water

2 tsp Rose Water

Bring water and sugar to a boil over medium high heat stirring constantly.

Once the syrup starts to boil and becomes clear turn off heat and add rose water, set aside.

Ataif Batter

2 Cups Flour

1/2 Cup Semolina (Smeed)

1/2 tsp Yeast

2 tsp Baking Powder

1/2 tsp Salt

2 T Vegetable Oil

2 tsp Rose Water

3 Cups Lukewarm Water

Whisk together all the ingredients,

until it becomes a thin batter.  Let rest for 10 to 15 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Grate sweet Arabic Cheese (or you could use mozzarella).  Toss in a couple tablespoons of sugar, 1 tsp Cinnamon and 2 tsp Rose Water.  Now your batter should be ready to use.

Heat non-stick pan over medium heat, use a paper towel to lightly oil the pan.

Ladle small amounts of batter into the pan.

Cook on one side, until the Ataif bubbles, becomes dry and lightly brown on the bottom.

Set aside and cover with a clean dish towel. (Note: these aren’t pancakes, don’t flip them over and cook the other side)

Put a small amount of cheese filling on the Ataif.

Fold over and pinch edges together to close.

Once you have filled all of the Ataif, heat about an inch of oil in a frying pan.

Place Ataif a couple at a time in hot oil and fry on both sides until golden brown.

Remove from pan, drain on paper towels.

Dunk the Ataif into the qater and place on serving plate.  Serve extra qater on the side.

Enjoy while warm 🙂