Baked Cheese Qatayef

May 22, 2023May 22, 20230 10

Baked Cheese Qatayef to wow your loved ones

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

45 min

Cook

20 min

Ready In

65 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

Ingredients

	10 empanada wrappers
	8 ounces ricotta cheese ( grated mozzarealla can be substituted )
	2 tablespoons granulated sugar
	1/4 teaspoon lemon juice or 1/4 teaspoon lemon peel
	2 cups granulated sugar
	1 3/4 cups light corn syrup
	1/4 cup orange blossom water or 1/4 cup rose water
	1/3 cup warm water

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

210

Sugar

30g

Fat

Qatayef is a popular dessert in Middle Eastern cuisine, often served during Ramadan after breaking the fast. Traditionally, Qatayef are stuffed with cream or nuts, deep-fried, and then dipped in syrup. This healthier version substitutes ricotta cheese for the cream and bakes the pastries instead of frying them. The result is a sweet, fluffy pastry that is perfect for dessert or a sweet snack.

Instructions

1.	Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.	Mix together ricotta cheese, granulated sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl.
3.	Place a spoonful of the ricotta mixture on each empanada wrapper and fold in half to form a half-circle, sealing the edges.
4.	Place the pastries on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
5.	While the pastries are baking, make the syrup by mixing together the sugar, corn syrup, orange blossom water, and warm water in a pot over medium heat. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce to low heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
6.	Remove the pastries from the oven and immediately dip them into the syrup, making sure they are fully coated. Serve warm or at room temperature.

PROS

Baked Cheese Qatayef is a sweet and delicious dessert that is sure to impress your family and friends.

This healthier version of a traditional pastry is baked instead of fried.

CONS

While this version of Qatayef is healthier than the fried version, it is still a sweet and calorie-dense dessert that should be enjoyed in moderation.

The preparation process can be time-consuming due to stuffing and folding the pastries.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Despite being a sweet dessert, Baked Cheese Qatayef offers some health benefits.
Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium, essential for healthy bones and teeth.
Orange blossom water has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, while lemon juice is high in vitamin C and antioxidants.