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Kunafa Recipe (Famous Middle Eastern Dessert)

Kunafa

What is Kunafa

Kunafa is a beloved dessert throughout the Middle East, enjoyed in many countries with variations depending on the region. It uses just a few ingredients to create an amazing flavor.

The crispy part is made with KATAIFI or PHYLLO dough which is basically super thin, buttery dough that's shredded. You bake it until it's golden brown and yummy.

For the filling, you can use a special cheese called NABULSI, but mozzarella or ricotta work just fine too. The exact type of cheese used can vary depending on where you get your kunefe. Some regions even use custard or cream instead of cheese!

Baked kanefe  gets showered in a sweet syrup, soaking into the crispy dough. You get crunchy, crispy pastry with pistachios, gooey cheese in the middle, and a sweet syrup to tie it all together. Delicious!

 This delicious Middle Eastern dessert recipe is easy to follow, allowing you to enjoy this traditional treat at home.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

What kind of cheese can I use in kunafa?

 Traditionally, mozzarella or knafeh cheese is used. Ricotta cheese or a blend of cheeses can also work depending on your preference.

How long does leftover kunafa last?

Leftover kunafa can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving. However, the texture won't be quite the same as fresh kunafa.

The bottom of my kunafa is burning before the top is golden brown. What can I do?

  • Lower the oven temperature slightly. Cooking the kunafa at a lower temperature will allow the top to brown more evenly without burning the bottom.
  • Move the baking pan to a higher rack in the oven. This will distance the bottom of the pan from the heating element.
  • Halfway through the baking process, rotate the pan 180 degrees to ensure even baking, especially if your oven has hot spots.
  • Ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the kunafa inside. An unevenly heated oven can cause uneven cooking.

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Cooking Method ,
Cuisine
Courses
Difficulty Beginner
Time
Prep Time: 14 mins Cook Time: 15 mins Total Time: 29 mins
Calories 350
Best Season Suitable throughout the year
Description

Kunafa is a delicious Middle Eastern dessert that's surprisingly easy to make. It is a delectable pastry with a crispy exterior, gooey cheese center, and fragrant syrup, isn't just a Middle Eastern favorite anymore. It's rapidly becoming a beloved festive dessert in South Asia and other regions.

Ingredients
  • 160 g kunafa dough (or phyllo dough)
  • 65 g shredded ricotta & mozzarella cheese (mixed)
  • 80 g soft butter
  • 1 1/2 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp pistachio (finely crushed)
  • 1/2 tsp crushed cardamom
  • 1/2 tsp rose water (optional)
Follow these step by step instructions to make delicious kunafa dessert
    Instructions
  1. Prepare dough:
    • Simply lay out the kunefe dough on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it into thin strips
    • Instead of cutting you can shred it with hands. Some time i prepare the dough in food processor to save  time. Pulse the dough in the food processor until it's shredded to the desired consistency. Be careful not to over process, or the dough will become too fine.
  2. Mix the dough with butter/ghee:
    • Gently massage the melted butter or ghee into the shredded dough with your hands. This helps the dough soak it up for a richer flavor and crispier crust.
    • I prefer using ghee, it gives the pastry rich flavor and extra crispy texture.
     
  3. Grease the pan:

    If you don't have a kunefe pan: You can use a frying pan, griddle, or even a baking dish. Just make sure to coat the bottom well with  generous amount of butter or ghee (clarified butter). 

  4. Layer the kunafa :

     Spread half of the dough evenly over the bottom of the pan, pressing it down gently with a spatula.

  5. Cheese Filling:

    Spread the cheese filling (ricotta, mozzarella, or mix it up for extra flavor!) over the flattened kanefe dough. Make sure it's nice and even, like a cheesy blanket.

  6. Cover the cheese with remaining dough:

    Now, grab the rest of the dough mixture and gently press it on top of the cheese. Give it a little press to hold everything together before baking. 

  7. Make sugar syrup:

    In a deep pan, combine 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon cardamom powder. (Optional: Add 1 teaspoon rose water for extra flavor.) Stir the ingredients together and bring to a boil over medium to high heat. Let it cook for 10 minutes, then remove from heat.

  8. Bake Kunefe:

    Bake in Oven: Bake your kunefe for 40-50 minutes, or until it's beautifully golden brown and crispy on the outside.

    Cooking on stove: Grab a kunafa pan. Repeat the same layering techniques for dough and cheese. Cook it on low to medium flame on the stovetop for 6-7 minutes, making sure to rotate the pan continuously throughout the cooking process. Now the kunafa is ready to turn upside down.

    Option 1: Using a spatula

    Use a large, broad spatula to carefully flip the kunafa in one go.

    Option 2: Using another pan

    Take another kunafa pan of the same size. Apply butter to its bottom. With a quick and confident motion, place it directly on top of the first pan containing the kunafa. Holding both pans together with oven mitts, flip them in one swift go. Remove the top pan and cook this side for another 6-7 minutes or until golden brown.

  9. Assembling & Serving:

    Gently slide the cooked kunefe from the pan onto a serving plate. Pour the syrup generously over the kunefe, making sure it saturates all the dough. Top it with a generous amount of crushed pistachios for a festive and colorful touch.

    Serve the remaining syrup in a separate jug alongside the kunefe. This allows everyone to adjust the sweetness to their preference. Serve it warm with a cup of hot Turkish tea for a perfect Middle Eastern dessert experience.

    For extra flavor serve it with wipped cream or ice cream on top of it.

Nutrition Facts
Amount Per Serving
Calories 350kcal
% Daily Value *
Cholesterol 35.5mg12%
Sodium 144mg6%
Total Carbohydrate 45g15%
Dietary Fiber 6g24%
Sugars 33g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note
  • Kunafa is a Middle Eastern dessert pastry made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese filling (traditionally mozzarella or knafeh cheese, but ricotta or a mixture can work too), and simple syrup.
  • Kunafa can be baked in the oven or cooked on the stovetop.
  • You can adjust the sweetness by using less syrup or serving extra syrup on the side.
Keywords: Kunafa,kunefe, kanefe, kunafa recipe, kunefe dessert,turkish kunafa,Middle Eastern dessert,arabic kunafa,kunafa dessert,kunafa dough,kunafa cheese
Read it online: https://fryerfresh.com/recipe/kunafa-recipe-famous-middle-eastern-dessert/