Kunafa
Kunafa is a popular Middle Eastern dessert made from thin layers of shredded phyllo dough, filled with sweetened cheese or semolina, and soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. It's often topped with crushed pistachios for added crunch and flavor.
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
30 min
Serving
6
Difficulty
Intermediate
Kunafa is a popular Middle Eastern dessert made from layers of shredded phyllo dough or semolina, filled with sweetened cheese or creamy filling, and soaked in sugar syrup. It is often topped with crushed pistachios for added flavor and texture. Kunafa is typically served during special occasions like Ramadan and Eid.
Ingredients
- 1 package shredded phyllo dough (kataifi)
- 2 cups unsalted mozzarella cheese (or Nabulsi cheese)
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- Sugar syrup: 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 tsp rose or orange blossom water (optional)
- Crushed pistachios for garnish
Directions
- To make Kunafa, start by preparing the sugar syrup by boiling 1 cup sugar and 1 cup water with 1 tsp lemon juice for 10 minutes, then remove from heat and add rose or orange blossom water.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), and in a baking dish, spread half of the shredded phyllo dough, pressing it down gently, then drizzle with half the melted butter.
- Add a layer of shredded cheese evenly on top, followed by the remaining phyllo dough, pressing it down and drizzling with the rest of the butter.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden and crispy, then immediately pour the cooled sugar syrup over the hot Kunafa and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Finally, garnish with crushed pistachios and serve warm.
