Levantine

Crispy Asabea El Sit (Znoud El Sit) with Ashta

A classic Levantine pastry made of delicate, crispy dough sheets filled with luxurious clotted cream (ashta), fried until crunchy, and drizzled with fragrant sugar syrup.

45 min 4 servings 420 cal/serving Medium 11 views
Crispy Asabea El Sit (Znoud El Sit) with Ashta

Instructions

  1. Preparing the Base Pudding
    In a saucepan off the heat, mix the milk, cornstarch, and sugar until the starch dissolves completely, then place the saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and holds together. · 6 min
  2. Chilling the Ashta
    Remove the saucepan from the heat, add the cream and orange blossom water, then whisk the mixture well until smooth. Pour the ashta into a shallow dish, cover it with plastic wrap directly touching the surface, and let it cool completely in the refrigerator. · 20 min
  3. Spreading and Filling the Dough
    Lay out a lengthwise strip of phyllo dough, then place a crosswise strip over it in a 'T' or cross shape to reinforce the base. Spoon a tablespoon of chilled ashta in the center.
  4. Rolling and Sealing the Pieces
    Fold the sides of the crosswise dough over the ashta to prevent leaking, then roll the lengthwise strip tightly into a cylinder, brushing the end with the flour-water paste to seal the roll completely.
  5. Golden Frying
    Heat the oil with a little ghee over medium heat (170°C), then fry the rolls in batches, turning continuously until they achieve a uniform golden color and crispy texture. · 4 min
  6. Soaking in Syrup and Serving
    Remove the rolls from the hot oil and drain for a few seconds, then immediately submerge them in the cold sugar syrup for one minute to absorb the sweetness; lift them out, arrange them on a serving platter, and garnish the tips with ground pistachios. · 1 min

Nutrition / serving

420
cal
6.5
protein g
52
carbs g
22
fat g

Chef's tips

Make sure the ashta is completely chilled and firm before filling so that it does not leak into the oil, and be sure to seal the edges tightly with the flour-and-water paste to avoid oil splatters during frying.