delicious kunafa
Kunafa is a popular Middle Eastern dessert that is especially popular during Ramadan. It is made with shredded phyllo dough (also known as kataifi), filled with a mixture of sweetened cheese, and soaked in a sweet syrup. Kunafa can be served warm or cold and is often garnished with chopped nuts such as pistachios.
There are many variations of kunafa across the Middle East, and the filling can vary depending on the region and personal preference. Some recipes call for ricotta cheese, while others use mozzarella or akawi cheese. The syrup can also be flavored with rosewater, orange blossom water, or other fragrant ingredients.
Kunafa is not only delicious, but it also has cultural significance as a traditional Ramadan dessert. It is often served after breaking the fast during the month of Ramadan, and it is also a popular dessert for festive occasions such as weddings and family gatherings.
Making kunafa can be a bit challenging due to the delicate nature of the phyllo dough, but with practice and patience, it is possible to achieve a delicious and beautiful dessert that is sure to impress.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound kataifi dough (shredded phyllo dough)
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, melted
• 1 pound akawi cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1)Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2)Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded akawi cheese and 1/4 cup of sugar, and mix well.
3)Prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, mix together 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes until it thickens. Set aside to cool.
4)Grease a 9-inch baking dish with some melted butter.
5)Using your fingers, separate the kataifi dough into small strands.
6)In a mixing bowl, pour the melted butter over the kataifi dough and mix well.
7)Take half of the kataifi dough and spread it evenly in the bottom of the baking dish, pressing it down to form a base.
8)Spread the cheese mixture over the kataifi dough base.
9)Cover the cheese mixture with the remaining half of the kataifi dough, pressing it down lightly.
10)Bake the kunafa in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown.
11)Remove the kunafa from the oven and pour the cooled syrup over it.
12)Allow the kunafa to cool for 10 minutes before garnishing with chopped pistachios.
13)Serve warm and enjoy!
If you don't have an oven, you can still make kunafa at home using a stovetop method.
Ingredients:
• 1 pound kataifi dough (shredded phyllo dough)
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, melted
• 1 pound akawi cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1)In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded akawi cheese and 1/4 cup of sugar, and mix well.
2)Prepare the syrup: In a small saucepan, mix together 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of water, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat and simmer for 10 minutes until it thickens. Set aside to cool.
3)Grease a large non-stick skillet with some melted butter.
4)Using your fingers, separate the kataifi dough into small strands.
5)In a mixing bowl, pour the melted butter over the kataifi dough and mix well.
6)Take half of the kataifi dough and spread it evenly in the bottom of the skillet, pressing it down to form a base.
7)Spread the cheese mixture over the kataifi dough base.
8)Cover the cheese mixture with the remaining half of the kataifi dough, pressing it down lightly.
9)Place the skillet on the stovetop over low heat and cover it with a tight-fitting lid. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
10)Once the bottom is golden brown, remove the skillet from heat and place a large plate or a serving platter on top of the skillet.
11)Carefully flip the skillet so that the kunafa is now on the plate, cheese side up.
12)Pour the cooled syrup over the kunafa and garnish with chopped pistachios.
13)Serve warm and enjoy!
That's how you can make kunafa at home. It may take some practice to get the technique of spreading and layering the dough just right, but the results are well worth it. Ramadan Kareem!
