Znoud el-Sit
Thin sheets of filo pastry rolled around a generous filling of cold ashta cream, deep-fried until shatteringly crisp and blistered gold, then immediately plunged into fragrant orange blossom syrup. Served hot, dripping, dusted with pistachios.
Cook this hands-free
All 214 Sofra recipes are free in the app. This one includes step-by-step English voice narration, hands-free Cooking Mode, and the original oud music by Charbel Rouhana.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Ingredients
- 10 sheets filo pastry sheets
- 2 cups ashta cream
- 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1.5 cups sugar (for syrup)
- 1 cup water (for syrup)
- 2 tbsp orange blossom water
- 1 tbsp rose water
- 0.5 cup crushed pistachios
Instructions
- Make the syrup: boil sugar and water for 5 minutes until slightly syrupy. Add orange blossom water and rose water. Keep warm.
- Cut filo sheets in half lengthwise to create long strips.
- Place a heaped tablespoon of cold ashta near the bottom end of each strip.
- Fold the sides of the filo over the ashta, then roll up from the bottom like a tight spring roll. Seal the end with a dab of water.
- Heat oil to 170°C (340°F) — not hotter, or the filo will burn before the filling warms.
- Fry in batches for 3–4 minutes, turning gently, until deep golden and blistered all over.
- Remove immediately and drop directly into the warm syrup for 30 seconds.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Scatter crushed pistachios over immediately.
- Serve within 5 minutes — the crust softens quickly.
Hear every step read aloud
Step-by-step voice narration guides you hands-free. Faten's Idlib recipes carry her own Syrian-Arabic narration. Charbel Rouhana's original oud plays during Cooking Mode.
Get Sofra on Google Play →Frequently Asked Questions
What is Znoud el-Sit?
Thin sheets of filo pastry rolled around a generous filling of cold ashta cream, deep-fried until shatteringly crisp and blistered gold, then immediately plunged into fragrant orange blossom syrup. Served hot, dripping, dusted with pistachios.
Where is Znoud el-Sit from?
Znoud el-Sit comes from Lebanese Coastal. Sofra documents this recipe as part of its 214-recipe Lebanese and Syrian heritage collection, including 49 dishes from Idlib province.
Is Znoud el-Sit vegetarian?
As written, Znoud el-Sit contains no meat or fish, so it is suitable for vegetarians. It does include dairy or other animal-derived ingredients, so it is not vegan. Check the full ingredient list against your own dietary needs.
What can I use instead of filo pastry sheets in Znoud el-Sit?
The filo pastry sheets called for here is part of the traditional recipe and gives Znoud el-Sit its authentic character, so keep it if you can. If you must substitute, choose the closest equivalent you have on hand and adjust to taste — the dish will shift slightly from the traditional version but still work. The Sofra app lists the full ingredient set and sourcing notes.
What do I serve with Znoud el-Sit?
In a Lebanese desserts spread, Znoud el-Sit is served at the end of a meal or with afternoon coffee or tea. A little extra syrup or nuts on top is traditional where the recipe calls for them.
Can I make Znoud el-Sit ahead, and how do I store leftovers?
Most components can be prepared ahead. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture; syrups and nut toppings are best added or refreshed close to serving.