Ingredients

1/4 teaspoon active dry yeast ( scant )
1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
1 cup all-purpose flour , plus up to
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 pinch salt
butter ( for cooking )
peanut oil ( for frying ) or vegetable oil ( for frying )
2/3 cup coarsely grated kanefa halloumi cheese or 2/3 cup ricotta salata
1 pinch salt
2 tablespoons sugar
Lebanese Half Moons Atayef (Atayef bil Jebne) is a famous Lebanese dessert that is particularly popular during Ramadan. These are small, pancake-like shells made of semolina or all-purpose flour, stuffed with cheese filling, and deep-fried until golden brown. They can be eaten as a dessert, a snack, or even a main course, and they're perfect for sharing with family and friends. The cheesy and sweet filling gives these half-moon Atayef a unique flavor and creamy, gooey texture, making it impossible to resist just one.

Instructions

1.In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in lukewarm water and let it sit for 10 minutes.
2.Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and mix well to combine all the ingredients. Add up to 1/4 cup further flour if the mixture is too thin.
3.Cover the bowl with a tea towel and let the dough rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, until it has a spongy texture.
4.Heat butter over medium heat in a skillet. Pour in 1 tablespoon of the batter and swirl it around so that it makes a thin circle.
5.Cook until the batter forms small bubbles and the edges start to lift, then transfer to a plate and repeat the process with the rest of the batter.
6.Combine the cheese, sugar, and salt together in a bowl, and mix well.
7.Put one cooked pancake on a plate, spoon a spoonful of the cheese mixture, and fold it into a half-moon shape. Do this with the rest of the pancakes.
8.Heat peanut or vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot enough, add the folded pancakes, and fry until golden brown from both sides, approximately 30 seconds each side.
9.Place the fried pancakes on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil.
10.Serve with your desired topping or syrup and enjoy!

PROS

Lebanese Half Moons Atayef is a tasty and unique dessert that is perfect for iftar or suhoor during Ramadan or any other occasion.
With a crispy exterior and a melty, savory filling of cheese, this dish is sure to please your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

CONS

Frying the Half Moons Atayef means the dish can be high in calories and may not be the healthiest option.
However, these are perfect for a sweet treat on special occasions, and their fantastic flavor is sure to compensate for their caloric content.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Lebanese Half Moons Atayef’s main ingredient is cheese, which contains protein and calcium, which are essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Additionally, the yeast in this recipe offers some health benefits, including promoting healthy gut bacteria and preventing infections.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.