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Znoud el sit Lebanese sweets

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Znoud el sit are a defined happiness especially when they are homemade. And making them from scratch is one of the quick easy recipes to prepare.

You can never pass by any Arabic sweets shop in Lebanon without spotting a tray of znoud el sitting on the display. These delicious sweet rolls are a favorite for many in Lebanon and the Levant region. And many indulge themselves in devouring this roll of ashta cream, fried and dipped in sugar syrup with an incredible taste. And although some tend to buy znoud el sit, many enjoy preparing them at home. The reason is making znoud el sit from scratch is not a big deal and can be one of the quick easy recipes to prepare.

a few lady fingers spread in a white tray

These Lebanese delights may not rank among the best healthy recipes, but they are worth trying. The combination of the crispy crust on the outside and the smooth filling on the inside gives you an incredible delight as you devour them. They are defined happiness especially when they are homemade!

What is znoud el sit?

Znoud el sit, known in the west as Lady’s fingers, are fried crispy rolls made out of phyllo dough and filled with ashta cream, a thick clotted cream. Once they are rolled, they are fried in hot vegetable oil for a few minutes then immediately dipped in sugar syrup and decorated with crushed pistachio. Znoud El Sit are served cold or at room temperature.

An open lady finger in front of two layers of rolls

What is the origin of znoud el sit?

The name of znoud el sit translates to the upper arms of a woman in Arabic. The reason behind the name goes back probably to the shape of these rolls that resemble the nice arms of a lady.

Znoud el sit is extremely popular in the Middle East, mainly in Lebanon and Syria where they originated from. However, you can find these sweets in any country in the Levant from Jordan to Iraq, and even to Armenia… especially during the month of Ramadan.

What are the ingredients of znoud el sit?

There are three main categories under which the ingredients fall:

  • The sugar syrup including includes white granulated sugar, water, rose water, and lemon juice.
  • The ashta cream includes milk, sugar, semolina, rose water, and ricotta cheese.
  • The phyllo dough then will be cut into rectangles and filled with ashta.

top view of znoud el sit

How to make these delights? 

Prepare the ashta cream

I have written a full article on how to prepare ashta cream and what are the key elements to consider for a successful outcome. Start by dissolving the sugar in the milk and rose water, then while boiling the milk, add semolina gradually until you see that the texture thickens. At this point, turn off the heat and add the ricotta while whisking to combine.

Prepare the sugar syrup

The rule of thumb for the sugar syrup is the 1:2 ratio of water to sugar. This means you need to add a cup of water for every two cups of sugar. You can add as well a teaspoon of rose water to flavor your syrup. Once the syrup starts to boil, squeeze half a lemon and let the syrup boil for 3 minutes before turning off the heat. The texture will thicken as the syrup cools down.

two layers of lady fingers

How to roll them? And how to fry them?

For the rolling process:

  1. Cut the phyllo dough square into rectangles, say 3 to 4 inches wide.
  2. Lay a phyllo strip vertically.
  3. Place another phyllo strip horizontally creating a cross shape.
  4. Add a tablespoon of ashta cream at the center where the two sheets overlap.
  5. Fold the lower end of the vertical phyllo, then fold both ends of the horizontal phyllo.
  6. Roll the vertical phyllo until you form a cylinder shape.
  7. Brush the end of the phyllo sheet with a mix of water and flour to seal completely.

For frying:

  1. Heat a large skillet with vegetable oil, then start frying the znoud el sit flipping them over halfway through until the dough becomes crispy golden. This will take 3 to 4 minutes. Make sure you fry them in batches.
  2. Using a slotted spoon, remove them and dip them for a few seconds in the sugar syrup.
  3. Remove them again and place them over a serving tray.

znoud el sit in a white plate

Can you freeze znoud el sit?

You can freeze znoud el sit uncooked. Over a tray covered with parchment paper, lay the uncooked roll, and store them in the freezer until they are well frozen. Then transfer them to zipper bags and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months for future use.

Looking for more sweets and dessert recipes? Check out these recipes:

  • Lebanese maamoul cookies
  • Classic strawberry tart
  • Healthy molasses sponge cake
  • The best Lebanese atayef

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Znoud el sit Lebanese sweets

znoud el sit in a white plate

Znoud el sit are a defined happiness especially when they are homemade. And making them from scratch is one of the quick easy recipes to prepare.

15 minutes
15 minutes
Easy

Ingredients

14 square sheets of phyllo dough

For the ashta cream:

  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1 tbsp of sugar
  • 1/4 cup semolina
  • 250g ricotta
  • 1 tsp rose water

 

For the sugar syrup:

  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon rose water

 

Instructions

  1. Prepare the ashta cream by mixing milk, rose water, and sugar. Then, turn on the heat and start adding gradually the semolina while whisking continuously. Finally, when the ashta thickens, turn off the heat and add the ricotta cheese.
  2. Prepare the sugar syrup by mixing and boiling sugar, water, and rose water. Once they boil, add a squeeze of lemon and boil for 3 minutes.
  3. Remove delicately the phyllo rolls.
  4. Cut the rolls into a square of 3 to 4 inches in width and cover them with a kitchen towel to prevent them from drying.
  5. Lay the first phyllo strip vertically on a countertop.
  6. Place another phyllo strip horizontally over the vertical strip.
  7. Add a tablespoon of ashta where both sheets are overlapping.
  8. Fold the lower edge of the vertical sheet.
  9. Fold the two edges of the horizontal sheet.
  10. Roll the vertical edge and seal it with a mixture of water and flour.
  11. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet.
  12. Fry the znoud el sit in badges, flipping them over halfway through.
  13. Remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon after 3 to 4 minutes when they become crispy golden.
  14. Dip them immediately for 30 seconds in sugar syrup.
  15. Using a slotted spoon remove them from the syrup and place them over a serving tray.
  16. Garnish with ground pistachios and enjoy!

 

Notes

  • You can prepare the sugar syrup days or weeks in advance.
  • You can prepare the ashta cream one or 2 days in advance.
  • Mix flour and water to get a thick paste. This will help you seal the znoud el sit before frying.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 511 kcal per serving | Serving size: 1 lady finger | Number of servings: 14

Total Fat 34 g | Saturated Fat 5 g | Cholesterol 10 mg | Sodium 202 mg | Potassium 17 mg | Total Carbohydrate 48 g | Dietary Fiber 1 g | Sugars 31 g | Protein 5 g | Vitamin A: 0% | Vitamin C: 2% | Calcium: 2% | Iron: 6%

* The Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet

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3 Comments

  1. Cooking for Children - The Easy Food Recipes | ... says:
    June 14, 2022 at 6:32 am

    […] Are you running out of ideas about what to cook for your children? Then you are exactly right here! My healthy, easy food recipes for kids are not only really fun, but they also provide your little ones with lots of energy and vital substances.  […]

    Reply
  2. Twicsy says:
    June 15, 2022 at 12:02 pm

    Appreciate the recommendation. Will try it out.

    Reply
    • Why Not DIY says:
      June 17, 2022 at 12:24 pm

      Amazing!!

      Reply

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