Qatayef Asafiri are soft, delicate Middle Eastern pancakes filled with luscious ashta (clotted cream) and garnished with crushed pistachios. Traditionally enjoyed during Ramadan and Eid, these bite-sized treats are lightly sweetened, fragrant with rose water, and perfect for sharing. Serve them with a drizzle of sugar syrup or enjoy them as they are for an elegant and delightful dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Middle Eastern Dessert – A Ramadan and Eid favorite, cherished across the Arab world.
- Soft & Creamy Texture – Fluffy pancakes filled with rich ashta cream and crunchy pistachios.
- No Baking Required – Simple stovetop pancakes make this an easy dessert.
- Perfect for Gatherings – A beautiful and shareable treat for family and friends.
- Customizable – Fill with different creams, nuts, or even Nutella for a unique twist.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Pancakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup fine semolina
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp instant yeast
- 1 ¼ cups warm water
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
For the Ashta (Cream Filling):
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ tsp rose water
For Garnish:
- ½ cup crushed pistachios
- ½ cup sugar syrup (optional)
- Dried rose petals (optional)
Directions
1. Prepare the Pancake Batter
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, semolina, sugar, yeast, baking powder, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually add warm water while whisking until a smooth batter forms.
- Cover the batter and let it rest for 30 minutes to allow the yeast to activate.
2. Cook the Pancakes
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
- Pour small circles of batter (about 2 inches in diameter) onto the pan.
- Cook only on one side until bubbles form and the surface is dry (do not flip).
- Remove from the pan and cover with a towel to keep them soft.
3. Prepare the Ashta Cream
- In a saucepan, combine heavy cream, sugar, and cornstarch.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Add rose water, mix well, and let cool completely before using.
4. Fill the Qatayef
- Take each pancake and fold it into a cone shape, sealing only halfway by pinching the edges together.
- Spoon the ashta cream into the open side of the pancake.
5. Garnish & Serve
- Dip the filled side into crushed pistachios for a decorative touch.
- Optionally, drizzle with sugar syrup for added sweetness.
- Serve fresh and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 10-12 pieces
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Nutella Qatayef – Swap the ashta cream for Nutella for a modern twist.
- Cheese-Filled Qatayef – Use ricotta or sweetened cream cheese instead of ashta.
- Sugar-Free Option – Skip the sugar syrup and use honey for natural sweetness.
- Crunchy Qatayef – Instead of soft Qatayef Asafiri, fully seal and deep-fry for a crispy version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store unfilled pancakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: Keep filled qatayef in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Freezing: Freeze unfilled pancakes for up to 2 months. Thaw before filling.
- Reheating: Warm briefly in a pan before serving, if desired.
FAQs
1. Can I make the pancakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pancakes a day in advance and store them covered at room temperature.
2. Why are my pancakes not forming bubbles?
Your batter may be too thick, or the yeast is not active. Try adding a little more warm water.
3. Can I use store-bought ashta?
Yes, store-bought ashta works well as a quick alternative.
4. How do I prevent the pancakes from drying out?
Cover them with a clean kitchen towel as they cool to keep them soft.
5. Can I bake or fry Qatayef Asafiri?
No, these are meant to be served soft. For crispy qatayef, fully seal and fry them instead.
6. Can I add different flavors to the ashta?
Yes, try adding orange blossom water or vanilla for extra flavor.
7. What can I serve with Qatayef?
They pair well with Arabic coffee, mint tea, or a light fruit salad.
8. Can I make this dessert vegan?
Yes, use almond milk and cornstarch for the filling and replace heavy cream with coconut cream.
9. What if my batter is too thin?
Add a little more flour or semolina to thicken it slightly.
10. How do I seal the pancakes properly?
Gently press the edges together until they stick, ensuring they don’t open.
Conclusion
Qatayef Asafiri is a delicate and flavorful Middle Eastern dessert that is perfect for Ramadan and special celebrations. With its soft pancakes, rich ashta filling, and nutty pistachio garnish, this elegant treat is easy to make and a joy to serve. Enjoy it fresh with a drizzle of sugar syrup or as a light, creamy indulgence!
