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Knafeh

Irresistible Knafeh: Your New Favorite Middle Eastern Delight

Knafeh is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert featuring sweet cheese and crispy kataifi, perfect for any occasion.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Cooling Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Syrup Ingredients
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons rose water can substitute with orange blossom water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
Dough and Filling Ingredients
  • 1 pound kataifi dough can substitute with filo dough
  • 1 cup melted butter
  • 8 ounces sweet cheese fresh mozzarella or blend of ricotta and mozzarella recommended
Garnish Ingredients
  • 1/4 cup crushed pistachios optional
  • 1 tablespoon kunafa powdered coloring optional

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • large bowl
  • Baking Dish
  • kitchen scissors

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of water and 1 cup of granulated sugar over medium-high heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow the syrup to simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat, then stir in 2 tablespoons of rose water and a splash of lemon juice. Set aside to cool.
  2. Take your thawed kataifi dough and cut it into smaller pieces using kitchen scissors. Place the cut kataifi in a large bowl and drizzle with 1 cup of melted butter. Toss until each strand is thoroughly coated.
  3. Grease a baking dish with additional melted butter. Begin layering half of the buttered kataifi into the bottom of the dish. Spread the sweet cheese evenly over the kataifi layer, followed by the remaining kataifi on top.
  4. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled Knafeh in the oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
  5. After baking, remove the Knafeh from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. Invert onto a serving plate.
  6. Pour the cooled rose water syrup over the warm dessert and sprinkle crushed pistachios on top. Serve warm or cold.

Notes

Ensure kataifi dough is well-coated in butter for the best texture; experiment with serving Knafeh hot or cold.