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Kunafa
Created by: Howcan Team
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 oz) of shredded phyllo dough
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups of mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 2 cups of ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup of orange blossom water
- 1/4 cup of rose water
- 1 cup of simple syrup (1 cup of water, 1 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, boiled and cooled)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a large bowl, mix the shredded phyllo dough with the melted butter until well coated.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, and granulated sugar.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter. Spread half of the phyllo dough mixture into the bottom of the dish and press down firmly to form a crust.
- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the phyllo dough crust.
- Cover the cheese mixture with the remaining phyllo dough, pressing down firmly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the kunafa is golden brown and crispy.
- While the kunafa is baking, prepare the simple syrup by combining the water, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the orange blossom water and rose water.
- Once the kunafa is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the prepared syrup over the hot kunafa, allowing it to soak in.
- Allow the kunafa to cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting into squares and serving. Enjoy!
Kunafa, also known as Kanafeh, is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert with a rich history dating back to the 10th century. This delectable sweet treat is made with shredded phyllo dough, layered with cheese or nuts, and soaked in a sweet, fragrant syrup. It is then baked to golden perfection, resulting in a crispy, caramelized exterior and a gooey, indulgent center. Renowned chefs like Yotam Ottolenghi have popularized this dessert in the West, while it remains a beloved staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. The best versions of Kunafa can be found in the bustling streets of Jerusalem, where it is often enjoyed with a steaming cup of Arabic coffee. The key to a perfect Kunafa lies in achieving the ideal balance of textures – crispy, crunchy, and syrupy – and using high-quality ingredients like fresh cheese and aromatic rose water. For a unique twist, some chefs incorporate orange blossom water or top the Kunafa with a sprinkle of pistachios for added flavor and visual appeal. Whether enjoyed in a traditional bakery or homemade with a modern twist, Kunafa continues to captivate dessert enthusiasts around the world.
60 min
8
350 calories
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