Fried Katayef - Egyptian Dessert

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/2 cup warm water
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/2 cup melted butter, for brushing
• Filling:
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup cream
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water
• 1 teaspoon ground pistachios
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Syrup:
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup orange blossom water

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the melted butter and warm water, stirring until a soft dough forms.
2. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. Then cover and let the dough rest for 30 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, make the filling by combining the ricotta cheese, cream, sugar, orange blossom water, pistachios, and cinnamon in a medium bowl. Mix until well combined.
4. Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each piece into a circle about 4 inches in diameter.
5. Place a heaping tablespoon of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough in half and press the edges together to seal. Using a fork, crimp the edges.
6. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the katayef for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
7. To make the syrup, combine the sugar, water, and orange blossom water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly.
8. Brush the katayef with melted butter and drizzle with the syrup. Serve warm.

Interesting Facts

• Katayef is a traditional Egyptian dessert served during Ramadan.
• The dough for katayef is made with all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, butter, and warm water.
• The filling is a combination of ricotta cheese, cream, sugar, orange blossom water, pistachios, and cinnamon.
• The katayef are fried until golden brown and then brushed with butter and drizzled with a sweet syrup.