Kunafa - Middle Eastern Sweet Cheese Pastry
Kunafa is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert featuring shredded phyllo dough soaked in fragrant sweet syrup, layered with a rich cheese filling or cream. It offers a delightful contrast of crispy texture and creamy sweetness.
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Ingredients
- 500 gramskunafa dough (shredded phyllo or kataifi)
- 200 gramsunsalted butter
melted
- 400 gramsmozzarella cheese
fresh, shredded
- 200 gramsricotta cheese
- 50 gramspowdered sugar
- 300 milliliterswater
for syrup
- 400 gramsgranulated sugar
for syrup
- 1 tablespoonlemon juice
freshly squeezed, for syrup
- 1 tablespoonrose water
optional, for syrup flavoring
- 50 gramspistachios
chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the syrup first: In a saucepan, combine the water and granulated sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Reduce the heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Add lemon juice and rose water (if using), then remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter a 30 cm (12 inch) round baking pan thoroughly.
Take the shredded kunafa dough and fluff it up with your hands to separate the strands. Pour the melted butter gradually over the dough, mixing well to coat every strand evenly.
Spread half of the buttered kunafa dough evenly into the bottom of the prepared pan, pressing gently.
In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese, and powdered sugar until evenly mixed.
Layer the cheese mixture evenly over the bottom layer of kunafa dough.
Top with the remaining kunafa dough and press gently but evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is crisp and golden brown.
Remove the kunafa from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot pastry to soak in.
Let the kunafa rest for 10 minutes to absorb the syrup fully.
Garnish with chopped pistachios before slicing and serving.
