Kataif
Today's dessert will bring a touch of nostalgia to many of our hearts, reviving childhood memories. We are talking about a delicious cake known as 'Cataif', a simple recipe yet with a remarkable impact. This cake is a perfect combination of textures and flavors, made of thin noodles, roasted nuts, and a sweet syrup that gives it a unique taste and perfect moisture.
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 12
Ingredients:
- 400 g thin soup noodles
- 4 cups of water
- 600 g sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 50 g walnuts
- 50 g pistachios
- 50 g hazelnuts
Necessary utensils:
- Frying pan
- Wok or large frying pan
- Blender
- Baking tray
- Ladle
- Spatula for leveling
Preparing the Cataif cake
1. Preparing the noodles:
Start by melting a tablespoon of butter in a frying pan over medium heat. Add 100 g of thin noodles and toast them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Repeat this step 4 times so that you have browned and crispy noodles.
2. Crushing the noodles:
After browning the noodles, transfer them to a wok (or large frying pan) and gently crush them with a spatula or fork to make them easier to handle.
3. Leveling the noodles:
Once you have finished crushing the noodles, use a spatula to level them in a baking tray in an even layer. This will be the base of your cake.
4. Preparing the nut mixture:
In the same frying pan, roast the hazelnuts, walnuts, and pistachios for 5-7 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once they are browned, transfer them to a blender and coarsely crush them. Add this mixture in the middle of the noodles in the tray.
5. Preparing the syrup:
In a separate pot, combine 600 g of sugar, 4 cups of water, and the 2 packets of vanilla sugar. Boil the mixture over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Then, let it boil for 10-15 minutes without letting it boil too much. The goal is to obtain a light syrup that does not become too viscous.
6. Assembling the cake:
Using a ladle, pour the warm syrup over the noodles in the tray, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
7. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and let it bake for 30 minutes, or until the syrup evaporates completely and the noodles are well bound.
8. Cooling and serving:
Once the cake is ready, let it cool in the tray. After it has cooled, cut it into larger squares. You can serve the Cataif plain or, for an extra flavor, alongside a portion of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Practical tips:
- Variations: You can also add other types of nuts or seeds, such as pumpkin seeds or pecans, to diversify the flavors.
- Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the amount of sugar by 100 g.
- Serving: Cataif pairs wonderfully with mint tea or espresso, making it a perfect dessert for a gathering with friends or a festive meal.
Nutritional benefits:
Cataif is a dessert that, although sweetened, also brings nutritional benefits due to the nuts, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and vitamins. Moderate consumption of nuts can help maintain heart and brain health.
Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole grain noodles? Yes, you can use whole grain noodles for a healthier version. The texture will be slightly different, but the taste will be just as delicious.
- Can I prepare Cataif in advance? Absolutely! This cake keeps well in the fridge, covered, for 2-3 days.
- Is Cataif suitable for vegans? You can adapt the recipe using vegan butter and an alternative sweetener, but the taste will be slightly different.
I hope this Cataif recipe will take you back to beautiful childhood moments and bring you joy with your loved ones. Enjoy every bite of this delicious dessert and don't forget to share the recipe with your friends! Enjoy!
Ingredients: 400 g thin soup noodles, 4 cups of water, 600 g sugar, 2 packets of vanilla sugar, 4 tablespoons of butter, 50 g walnuts, 50 g pistachios, 50 g hazelnuts
