Ramadan Recipes: Znoud El Sit

Publish date: Monday، 03 April 2023 Last update: Monday، 15 May 2023

Znoud El Sit is a well-known dessert in the Middle East that is particularly popular during the month of Ramadan, similar to other desserts like Baklawa and Mahalabia. Its name is derived from the resemblance of the dessert's shape to a lady's upper arms.

During the month of Ramadan, Znoud El Sit pastries can be found at most sweet shops in Lebanon and are often consumed as a dessert after iftar, the meal eaten by Muslims after sunset to break their fast. Following a long day of fasting, people usually enjoy a sweet treat along with a cup of coffee or tea as a late-night snack.

Ingredients
- 30 Minutes
- 20 Serving
- 198 Calories

Ashta Filling: ½ litre of whole milk; ½ litre 35% whipping cream (or 18% liquid table cream or replace with whole milk); ¾ cup cornstarch; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp rose water

Simple Syrup: 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup water; 1 squeeze of lemon

Choice of Flavoring for Simple Syrup: 1 tbsp rose water; OR 1 tsp orange zest and 5 strands saffron

Other Ingredients: 15-20 sheets of phyllo; ½ cup melted butter; Nuts for garnish

Method & Directions
- 20 Minutes

Put Thaw phyllo pastry in the fridge
تم نسخ الرابط

Thaw phyllo pastry in the fridge overnight.
Make simple syrup by boiling sugar
تم نسخ الرابط

Make simple syrup by boiling sugar, water, and lemon juice in a pot for 12 minutes. Add orange zest, saffron, or rose water if desired
Start making ashta filling
تم نسخ الرابط

Make ashta filling by whisking whole milk, cream, and corn starch together. Heat on medium-high and whisk for 10 minutes until thickened. Add rose water or orange blossom water and refrigerate for 1-2 hours
Preheat
تم نسخ الرابط

Preheat oven to 450F
Cut phyllo sheets into 4 equal strips
تم نسخ الرابط

Cut phyllo sheets into 4 equal strips along the short edge and then cut each strip in half to create shorter strips
Place and Roll
تم نسخ الرابط

Layer two long strips and one short strip to form a cross. Place 1.5 tablespoons of ashta filling in the center and fold the sides over it. Roll tightly to form a log shape
Bake for 15-25 minutes until golden brown
تم نسخ الرابط

Brush a sheet pan and each pastry with butter. Bake for 15-25 minutes until golden brown
Fry the Pastries
تم نسخ الرابط

To fry the pastries, heat oil in a pot or pan until hot, making sure there is enough oil to cover half of the roll
Serve
تم نسخ الرابط

Drop 2-3 pieces in at a time, frying each side until golden brown for a few seconds. Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Drizzle the sugar syrup on top and garnish with nuts.