Qatayef with Minced Meat: A Delicious and Nutritious Ramadan Dish

Qatayef with minced meat is a popular Ramadan dish rich in nutrients. It provides the body with protein from the minced meat, which helps build muscles and promotes a feeling of fullness. The dough contains carbohydrates that supply energy during fasting hours. The spices used offer antioxidants that support immunity and improve digestion. However, excessive consumption may lead to weight gain due to high fat and calorie content, especially when fried. Therefore, it is best to enjoy them in moderation and opt for healthier cooking methods, such as baking instead of frying.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups flour
• 1 ½ cups warm water
• 1 teaspoon yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 250g minced meat
• 1 chopped onion
• ½ teaspoon mixed spices
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Oil for frying or butter for baking

Preparation Method

Preparing the Qatayef Batter:

1. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of instant yeast, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
2. Gradually pour in 1 ½ cups of warm water while continuously stirring with a whisk (manual or electric) until you get a smooth, lump-free batter.
3. Cover the bowl with a clean towel or plastic wrap and let the batter rest in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes until it rises and doubles in size.

Cooking the Qatayef Batter:

1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat without adding oil.
2. Using a small ladle, pour some batter into the pan, forming a circle about 7 cm in diameter.
3. Let the Qatayef cook until bubbles form on the surface and the top side dries completely. Then, remove it from the pan and place it on a clean cloth. (Do not flip it, as Qatayef is cooked on one side only).
4. Repeat until all the batter is used, keeping the cooked Qatayef covered to prevent drying.

Preparing the Minced Meat Filling:

1. In another pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium heat.
2. Add a finely chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
3. Add 250g of minced meat and stir well until browned.
4. Season with ½ teaspoon of mixed spices, salt, and black pepper to taste. Continue stirring for 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is fully cooked.
5. Remove the filling from the heat and let it cool slightly before stuffing.

Stuffing and Sealing the Qatayef:

1. Take a piece of Qatayef and place a teaspoon of the minced meat filling in the center.
2. Fold the Qatayef into a half-moon shape and press the edges firmly with your fingertips to seal. (You can moisten the edges with a little water if needed for a better seal).

Cooking Methods:

Frying:

1. Heat enough oil in a deep pan over medium heat.
2. Carefully place the Qatayef in the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
3. Remove from the oil and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Baking (Healthier Method):

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C.
2. Arrange the Qatayef on a lightly greased baking tray and brush the tops with olive oil or melted butter.
3. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even browning.

Serving:

Serve the Qatayef hot and enjoy with yogurt or salad as desired.

💡 Tip: For a richer flavor, add some toasted pine nuts to the meat filling. 😍🔥

Common Mistakes When Preparing Qatayef and How to Avoid Them

1. The batter does not rise properly: If the Qatayef batter doesn’t rise, the yeast might have been killed by using water that is too hot, or the batter wasn’t left in a warm place long enough. Use lukewarm water and allow the batter to rise in a warm spot for at least an hour.
2. Qatayef sticks to the pan: To prevent sticking, ensure the pan is fully heated before pouring the batter. You can also wipe the pan’s surface with a paper towel lightly dipped in oil.
3. The filling leaks while frying: To avoid this, make sure the Qatayef is sealed tightly before frying. You can use a mixture of flour and water as an adhesive to keep the edges securely closed.

Healthy Cooking Tips

✔ Bake instead of frying: For a lower-fat and lower-calorie version, bake the Qatayef in the oven instead of frying. Brush with a little olive oil and bake at 200°C until golden.

✔ Use lean meat or plant-based alternatives: Opt for lean minced meat to reduce saturated fat. You can also use fillings like lentils or mushrooms for a healthier option.

✔ Reduce salt and heavy spices: Limit salt to avoid high blood pressure and reduce strong spices to prevent digestive issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About Minced Meat Qatayef

🔹 Can Qatayef with minced meat be prepared in advance?
Yes, you can prepare and stuff the Qatayef ahead of time, then freeze them before cooking. When ready to use, you can fry them directly from frozen or bake them after brushing with a little oil. This is especially helpful during Ramadan or for special occasions.

🔹 How can I store leftover Qatayef?
Cooked Qatayef can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to a month. When reheating, place them in a 180°C oven for a few minutes to maintain their crispiness.

🔹 What are healthier alternatives for Qatayef dough?
For a healthier version, substitute white flour with whole wheat flour to increase fiber content. You can also use oat-based dough for a lower-calorie and more nutritious option.

🔹 Can I use different fillings instead of minced meat?
Yes! You can replace minced meat with fillings such as ground chicken, different types of cheese, a mix of spinach and cheese, or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.

Calories and Nutritional Values of Ingredients:

1 Cup of Flour

• Calories: 455
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 1g
• Sodium: 2mg
• Vitamins: Vitamin B1 (0.4mg - 35% of daily requirement)
• Benefits: A good source of energy and fiber, helps improve digestive health.

250g Ground Meat

• Calories: 500
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 35g
• Vitamins: Vitamin B12 (2.4mcg - 100% of daily requirement)
• Benefits: Rich in protein essential for muscle building and contains iron necessary for blood health.

1 Chopped Onion

• Calories: 40
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Vitamins: Vitamin C (7mg - 10% of daily requirement)
• Benefits: Boosts immunity and contains antioxidants that support heart health.

1 Teaspoon of Yeast

• Calories: 10
• Vitamins: Vitamin B3 (2mg - 15% of daily requirement)
• Benefits: Supports digestive health and helps improve metabolism.

Conclusion:

Stuffed Qatayef with Ground Meat provides a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, making it a complete meal. However, it is recommended to prepare it in a healthy way to avoid excessive calories.