Fried Katayef (Egyptian Dessert)

These deep-fried Egyptian treats are stuffed with ricotta cheese and dipped in a lemon-flavored simple syrup.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 30 mins
• Calories: 356 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 cup white sugar
• 3 cups water
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 3 cups oil for frying
• 1 (8 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups water
• 1.5 (.25 ounce) envelopes active dry yeast

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Make a syrup by stirring the water, sugar, and lemon juice together in a saucepan over medium heat until thick; set aside to cool.

Step 2

Make a filling by combining the ricotta cheese and cornstarch in a small bowl; set aside.

Step 3

Make the dough by mixing together the flour and the yeast. Stir the water into the flour mixture 1 cup at a time, whisking to remove any lumps, until the mixture reaches a pourable consistency; allow to rest 1 hour.

Step 4

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Ladle 2 to 3 ounces of batter at a time into the center of the skillet into a round shape. Each katayef shell is finished when the top is dry and the bottom is slightly browned.

Step 5

Fill each shell with an equal portion of the cheese mixture. Fold one end of the shell over the cheese mixture and seal into a semi-circle shape by pinching along the edges.

Step 6

Heat the frying oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Fry the katayef in the oil until crispy and lightly browned; immerse in the syrup to coat; serve immediately.