Delicious and Authentic Middle Eastern Atayef Pancakes

Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine as you step into a bustling restaurant in the vibrant city of Dallas. Amidst the tantalizing aromas and lively atmosphere, discover the enchanting allure of Middle Eastern atayef pancakes – a beloved dessert that will transport your taste buds to new heights of delight. Join my girlfriend and me on a culinary journey filled with exploration and unexpected moments as we unlock the secrets behind these golden-brown delicacies and embark on an unforgettable adventure of flavors and traditions!

As my girlfriend and I entered a bustling Middle Eastern restaurant in Dallas, we were immediately enveloped in a tapestry of enticing aromas and a lively atmosphere. The air was alive with the tantalizing scents of spices and herbs, setting the stage for a memorable culinary experience.

Our curiosity and appetites led us to explore the diverse menu, and it was during this exploration that we discovered a dish that would soon captivate our palates. With anticipation, we ordered the renowned Middle Eastern delicacy called atayef. It was a dish with a certain allure, whispered about among food enthusiasts for its unique flavors and textures. A short while later, our waiter gracefully approached our table, carrying a platter adorned with golden-brown pancakes. The atayef pancakes were a sight – small, folded pockets of deliciousness, glistening with a drizzle of fragrant syrup. The anticipation grew as we took our first bite, savoring the delicate balance of sweet and savory, the softness of the pancake giving way to a burst of flavor.

Just as we were fully immersed in enjoying our meal, an unexpected event unfolded within the restaurant. The sound of a blaring fire alarm pierced the air, causing a momentary disruption to the harmonious ambiance. Chaos ensued as the staff scrambled to address the situation, their focus shifting from culinary creations to ensuring the safety of everyone present.

After the commotion settled, I caught sight of a young Middle Eastern chef calmly navigating through the flurry of activity. I approached him with a sense of intrigue, determined to discover more about the delicious atayef pancakes that had captured our attention. Sharing a smile, I mustered the courage to request the coveted recipe, hoping to recreate this extraordinary dish in our home.

To my surprise, the chef’s initial response was hesitant. However, my persistence and genuine passion for the flavors of the Middle East seemed to strike a chord within him. After a brief contemplation, he finally agreed to share the recipe, assuming it remained a whispered secret between us.

The atayef pancakes, he revealed, were crafted from a simple yet harmonious blend of ingredients. The batter consisted of all-purpose flour, fine semolina, sugar, salt, baking powder, instant yeast, water, milk, and pure vanilla extract. This combination resulted in a luscious batter, its aroma hinting at the delightful flavors. As for the fillings, he recommended two enticing options. The first was a walnut filling, featuring roughly chopped walnuts and a touch of aromatic cinnamon. The second option was a cheese filling, made with Akkawi cheese or strained ricotta, heightened with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon. These fillings added depth and complexity to the atayef, elevating them to new heights of indulgence.

Middle Eastern atayef pancakes can be served with complementary accompaniments to enhance the dining experience. Here are some delicious suggestions:

Labneh: A traditional Middle Eastern strained yogurt, labneh offers a tangy and creamy contrast to the sweetness of the atayef. Serve a dollop of labneh on the side or spoon it over the pancakes for a delightful combination of flavors.
Fresh Fruits: Add a burst of freshness and vibrant colors to your atayef pancakes by serving them with sliced strawberries, pomegranate seeds, or any other seasonal fruits you choose. The natural sweetness and juicy textures of the fruits complement the pancakes beautifully.
Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle crushed pistachios, chopped almonds, or toasted sesame seeds over the pancakes for a crunch and nutty flavor. These toppings add a delightful contrast of textures and elevate the overall taste experience.
Honey or Date Syrup: Drizzle a touch of honey or date syrup over the atayef pancakes for an extra layer of sweetness. The natural sweetness of honey or the rich, caramel-like flavor of date syrup pairs exceptionally well with the pancakes.
Shredded Coconut: For a tropical twist, sprinkle some shredded coconut over the pancakes. The subtle sweetness and tropical aroma of coconut lend a delightful flavor profile to the dish.
Rosewater or Orange Blossom Water: Add a Middle Eastern touch by lightly flavoring the simple syrup or garnishing the pancakes with a few drops of rosewater or orange blossom water. These floral essences impart a fragrant and exotic note to the dish.
Mint Leaves: Garnish the atayef pancakes with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing herbal element. The mint’s coolness complements the pancake’s sweetness and adds a visual appeal to the dish.

Remember, these suggestions are just a starting point. Feel free to get creative and experiment with other toppings, sauces, or accompaniments that suit your taste preferences. Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its versatility and adaptability, so embrace the opportunity to personalize your atayef experience and enjoy the journey of culinary exploration.

Here is how I created the Middle Eastern atayef pancakes at home:

Ingredients:

For The Simple Syrup (Atir):

2 cups of granulated sugar
1 ½ cups of water
2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon of rose or blossom extract

For The Atayef Pancakes:

1 cup of all-purpose flour
½ cup of fine semolina
2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
½ teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of baking powder
½ teaspoon of instant yeast
1 cup of water (approximately 240 ml)
½ cup of whole milk
2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract
Vegetable oil for frying or baking

Walnut Filling:

1 ½ cups of roughly chopped walnuts
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

Cheese Filling:

1 ½ cups of Akkawi cheese
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

How To Create Middle Eastern Atayef Pancakes?

Preparing the Syrup (Atir):

Bring the granulated sugar and water mixture to a boil on medium heat by placing it in a small saucepan and stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes without stirring.
Add the fresh lemon juice and give the mixture a quick stir. Continue to simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
Once the sugar and water have boiled, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the extract (rose or blossom). Allow the mixture to cool fully before utilizing it as a simple syrup.

Creating the Atayef:

Mix the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, fine semolina, granulated sugar, and salt – in a medium bowl, and set aside when the dry mix is ready.
Whisk together the wet ingredients in a separate bowl: water, milk, and pure vanilla extract.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until well combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps in the mixture.
Cover the bowl with a towel and let the batter rest in a warm place for 20-30 minutes.
Using a non-stick pan or griddle over medium-high heat, pour the batter on the pan in small circles; 1 tablespoon for small atayef, 2 tablespoons for medium-sized, and ¼ cup for large.
As the atayef cook, bubbles will appear on the surface. Cook the atayef until these bubbles dry out, which takes about 2 minutes. If no bubbles appear, you may need to add a little more water to thin out the batter.
Remove the layer from the pan once the bubbles dry out completely and the surface is no longer shiny. Repeat the process until you have used all the batter.
Transfer the cooked atayef to a tea towel and cover them well to prevent drying.

Frying the Atayef:

Mix the walnuts and cinnamon in a medium bowl, while in another bowl, combine the cheese with cinnamon. Chop the walnuts roughly and combine them with the cinnamon, then combine the cheese with the same spice.
Fill half the atayef with the walnut mixture and the remaining half with the cheese mixture. Place the filling in the center of each pancake, then fold it in half and pinch the edges together to seal them.
For deep frying: Fill a deep pan or saucepan with about 1 inch of vegetable oil and heat it to 350°F/180°C. Drop the stuffed atayef into the hot oil and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway through, until both sides are crispy and golden.
For baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F/180°C. Arrange the stuffed atayef on a baking sheet and brush them with vegetable oil. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.

Serving:

Remove the cooked atayef from the oil or oven. If deep-fried, let them drain on a sheet fitted with a wire rack for a few minutes.
While the atayef are still hot, briefly dip them in the cold simple syrup to coat or drizzle it all over them.
Plate and serve the atayef as a delightful Middle Eastern dessert.

Conclusion

And there you have it – the secret recipe to recreate the unforgettable Middle Eastern atayef pancakes. With this recipe in your hands, you can now embark on a culinary journey that will transport you to the vibrant flavors and cherished memories of Middle Eastern cuisine. As you savor each bite of these delectable pancakes, filled with either the nutty walnut mixture or the indulgent cheese filling, and drenched in the aromatic simple syrup, may you find yourself immersed in the rich tapestry of flavors that make Middle Eastern cuisine so enchanting!

By the way, atayef can be a dessert for quari fish sandwiches.
Get the recipe now (by clicking the image below):