Ingredients
Check off ingredients as you go
For about 20 manicotti
- 250g flour (1¾ cups, adjust based on egg size)
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp baking powder
- neutral oil, for frying
For the honey syrup
- 4 tbsp liquid honey
- ¾ cup water
- 5 tbsp granulated sugar
Synonymous with celebrations and happy moments, these Manicotti or honey desert roses are among the most beloved Middle Eastern pastries. Some sprinkle them with sesame seeds. I’m sharing my great-grandmother’s recipe here, approved by generations of our family.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the eggs and baking powder. Gradually add the flour. Mix well. You should get a smooth, homogeneous dough that doesn’t stick to your fingers. Once you reach this consistency, there’s no need to add more flour.
- On a floured work surface, roll out the dough as thinly as possible (you should almost be able to see through it) into a rectangle. If you have a pasta roller, the result will likely be excellent too. Cut strips about 3-4 cm (1-1½ inches) wide and approximately 15 cm (6 inches) long.
If you have a pasta machine, this is obviously the time to bring it out! You’ll get beautifully thin dough with almost no effort
Fry in hot oil. To check the oil temperature, place a small piece of dough in it. It should brown gently without burning. To form the manicotti, take a strip and roll it on itself, possibly using a spoon to help. When they reach a golden blonde color (takes less than a minute), transfer to paper towels.
In a small saucepan, make the honey syrup with the water, honey, and sugar. When the syrup reaches the right consistency (it shouldn’t caramelize; if it does, add a little water), pass the manicotti through the honey one by one. Place on a plate, repeat this step a second time, then arrange on a serving platter.
Tips and Time Management
The second dip in the honey is really important because the first coating will be quickly absorbed. The second coating keeps a shiny glaze until the next day.
Store-bought manicotti are often very thick and therefore quite hard, nothing like this refined homemade version that melts in your mouth.
If you want to add sesame seeds, sprinkle them on the Manicotti after dipping them in honey.