Kataifi with Clemes

Cataif a la Cleme: The Delight That Will Enchant Your Senses

Cataif is a dessert that evokes pleasant memories, festive meals, and moments of indulgence with loved ones. This Cataif a la Cleme recipe is a reinterpretation of a classic, brought to life with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow techniques. I invite you to discover the necessary steps to create this savory dessert, full of flavor and texture.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

For the cataif:
- 400 g very fine vermicelli
- 50 g butter (or margarine)
- 300 g brown sugar
- 250 ml water

For the cream:
- 400 ml milk
- 3 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 4 tablespoons cornstarch
- 50-60 g Rama margarine

For the topping:
- 300 g roasted and caramelized nuts
- 400 ml whipped cream (preferably from heavy cream, but you can also use store-bought whipped cream)

Step by step:

Step 1: Preparing the vermicelli
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a baking dish, place the fine vermicelli, spreading it evenly across the bottom of the dish. Cut the margarine into small cubes and distribute them over the vermicelli in the dish. This step will help achieve a crispy and golden texture. Place the dish in the oven for about 30 minutes or until the vermicelli is golden and crispy.

Step 2: Preparing the syrup
Meanwhile, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine 300 g of brown sugar with 250 ml of water. Put the mixture over medium heat and let it boil, stirring occasionally. Once the vermicelli is golden, remove it from the oven and pour the hot syrup over it. Allow the vermicelli to absorb the syrup for about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Preparing the cream
In a bowl, whisk the eggs with 150 g of sugar until frothy. Add the 4 tablespoons of cornstarch and mix well. In a separate saucepan, heat 400 ml of milk, then add the egg and sugar mixture. Cook the cream over a double boiler, stirring constantly to avoid sticking. When the cream has thickened, remove it from the heat and add the Rama margarine. Let it cool slightly.

Step 4: Preparing the nuts
Toast the nuts in a dry pan until golden, then caramelize them with a little sugar if desired. Once the nuts have cooled, chop them finely.

Step 5: Assembling the dessert
It's time to assemble the dessert! In a dish, add a layer of syrup-soaked vermicelli, followed by a layer of roasted nuts. Then, pour a layer of cooked cream, followed by a layer of whipped cream. Repeat this process until all ingredients are used, ensuring that the last layer is whipped cream. Finish with the caramelized nuts on top for a delicious and appetizing look.

Step 6: Cooling and serving
Allow the dessert to cool completely, then refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving. This will help the flavors to combine perfectly and make the dessert even tastier.

My personal tip:
I love to serve Cataif a la Cleme with a glass of cold milk or a fragrant coffee. These combinations will highlight the sweetness of the dessert and create a perfect balance of flavors.

Nutritional benefits:
This dessert contains nuts, which are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants. Additionally, the eggs and milk provide quality protein and calcium, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use a different type of vermicelli?
Of course! Rice vermicelli or whole wheat vermicelli are excellent options that add a different touch.

2. What can I use instead of margarine?
You can use butter, coconut oil, or even olive oil for a healthier version.

3. How can I make the dessert less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream or use a sugar substitute.

4. Are there vegan versions of the recipe?
Yes! You can replace the eggs with a mix of flaxseeds and water or with a vegan egg substitute, and the milk with plant-based milk.

Possible variations:
You can enhance the flavor of the dessert by adding flavors such as vanilla or almond essence to the cream. You can also replace the nuts with hazelnuts, pistachios, or even a combination of dried fruits.

Cataif a la Cleme is more than just a dessert; it is a culinary experience that will bring you joy and satisfaction. Try this recipe and let yourself be carried away by its unique flavors and aromas!