Homemade Qatayef Batter (Makes 10)

Ingredients

Batter

• 1 cup flour, sifted
• 1/2 cup coarse semolina (fine works too)
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp yeast
• 1/4 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp mahlab
• A pinch of salt
• 1 tsp vanilla and mastic if available
• A little over 1 cup warm water

Fillings

• White cheese with mozzarella, nigella and sugar
• Walnuts, coconut, cinnamon, sugar and raisins
• Cream (qashta)
• Grated apple with sugar and cinnamon

Method

1. Combine the yeast, sugar and water until it starts to activate. Add the flour, semolina, baking powder, salt and mahlab, then the yeast mixture gradually until you have a fairly thin batter. Finally add a tablespoon of water with the baking soda and mix well. Rest half an hour, then stir again.
2. Heat a griddle and pour small amounts of batter until bubbles appear and the surface dries. Cover with a kitchen towel and let cool.
3. Fill with your chosen filling, seal into half-moons and fry in plenty of oil until crisp, or brush with ghee or oil and bake. Dip in syrup (see the syrup recipe) and serve hot.