Atayef (a Middle Eastern pancake with a twist) – the winning recipe from innocent Ireland’s dairy-free cook off

This delicious dessert took first place at the innocent Ireland dairy-free cook off. Here’s how to make it.

Sanaa was over the moon when her Atayef won first place at the innocent Ireland dairy-free cook off.

The challenge was to create a sweet or savoury recipe using an innocent dairy-free drink, and Sanaa’s unique approach had the judges drooling.

Using the oat milk to whip up a creamy custard filling, she made Atayef – a Middle Eastern pancake with a twist – inspired by her Palestinian heritage and her love for experimenting in the kitchen.

“I’m a Palestinian/Middle Eastern graphic designer who loves to bake and share recipes,” she said. “I experiment a lot so I love trying out new things.”

“After graduating, I started to focus more on baking and hope to share a taste of the Middle East through the fatayer (pastries) I currently sell.”

The talented chef is always sharing new baked goodies on her Instagram, so when the judges, including vegan food blogger Roz Purcell, saw her tasty entry they knew they had to try it for themselves.

Here is Sanaa’s delicious winning recipe.

Atayef

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A post shared by Celeste Barber (@celestebarber)

Pancakes

Ingredients

1 cup flour
1/4 cup semolina
1 tsp yeast
2 tsp sugar
1 1/4 cup warm water
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda

Creamy custard filling

Ingredients

2 cups innocent oat milk
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp cornflour
1 tbsp semolina
1/2 tsp rose water

Method

Mix all ingredients (expect for the bicarbonate of soda) together in a bowl until well combined.
Add in the bicarbonate soda and mix again (batter will be slightly thick).
Pour the batter into small rounds in a pan over medium heat.
Cook until the top of the pancakes form bubbles and are dry to the touch (don’t flip!).
Set aside and cover with a tea towel to prevent them from drying.
In a pan, mix together all the custard ingredients. Cook on medium-high until thick (about five minutes). Allow to cool until warm.
To assemble, place a teaspoon of custard onto the top half of the pancake.
Pinch the bottom half of the pancake until it sticks together and forms a kind of cone.
Dip into some crushed nuts (I used pistachios) and drizzle with sugar syrup, maple syrup or honey.
Eat right away and enjoy!