Best 2 Kanafa Recipes
**Kanafeh: A Journey Through Sweetness**
Kanafeh, a delectable pastry originating in the Middle East, captivates taste buds with its unique blend of sweet, savory, and textural elements. This versatile dessert boasts a rich history and diverse regional variations, each offering a unique interpretation of this beloved treat. Our comprehensive guide presents an array of kanafeh recipes, encompassing classic and modern interpretations, ensuring there's something to satisfy every palate. Explore the traditional Nabulsi kanafeh, renowned for its crispy shredded filo pastry and gooey cheese filling, or indulge in the unique flavors of Turkish kanafeh, featuring a semolina-based dough and pistachio filling. Discover the secrets behind the perfect kanafeh, from selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the art of layering and baking. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice cook, our detailed instructions and helpful tips will guide you towards creating exceptional kanafeh that will impress your family and friends.
KANAFA
A favorite Palestinian dessert! Crunchy shredded phyllo dough is baked with a layer of creamy sweet cheese and then drenched in rosewater syrup. It's simple yet impressive. The cheese filling is traditionally made from Nabulsi cheese that is desalted. The ricotta-mozzarella mix is a great substitute, and lower-fat products can be used. If you have access to a Middle Eastern grocery, you can probably find kanafa dye, which turns the dough into the orange or reddish color that is the signature of kanafa.
Provided by Noura
Categories Desserts Specialty Dessert Recipes
Time 1h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Use a food processor to finely chop the frozen, shredded phyllo dough. The strands should be about the size of a grain of rice. Pour the dough into a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and 1/3 cup sugar.
- Place the butter in a large liquid measuring cup or bowl with a spout. Heat the butter in a microwave until completely melted, and let it sit for several minutes until a thick white foam has formed on top. Clarify the butter by using a spoon to skim off the foam.
- Carefully pour the butter into the bowl of phyllo dough. Avoid pouring in the white milk solids at the bottom of the clarified butter. Use your hands to mix the butter and dough together. Make sure that the butter is absorbed by taking handfuls of the dough and rubbing it between your palms.
- Evenly spread the buttered phyllo dough into a 9x13-inch pan and firmly press it into the bottom and edges. Spread the cheese mixture onto the dough, avoiding the edges of the pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the cheese is slightly golden and the edges of dough are brown and bubbly, 30 to 35 minutes.
- While the kanafa is baking, prepare the syrup. Combine the water and 1/2 cup sugar in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the lemon juice. Simmer, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is thickened, 5 to 7 minutes. (Do not let the mixture turn golden and caramelize.) Remove from heat and add the rose water; set aside.
- Remove the kanafa from the oven. Place a large platter or baking sheet over the baking dish. Using oven mitts, carefully invert the baking dish onto the platter so the phyllo is on top. Pour the syrup over the kanafa. Cut into pieces and serve while hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 663.5 calories, Carbohydrate 59.2 g, Cholesterol 115.8 mg, Fat 42.1 g, Protein 12.9 g, SaturatedFat 25.6 g, Sodium 277.7 mg, Sugar 33.7 g
KUNAFA
Kunafa is one of the most ubiquitous pastries across the Middle East, and is such a simple dessert. It easy to make with vermicelli-like kataifi pastry.
Provided by Salma Hage
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F or 200ºC.
- Place the pastry in a bowl and pour over the melted butter. Use your hands to separate the strands and distribute the butter evenly among them.
- Pack half the buttery pastry into the base of an 8-inch (20-cm) round ovenproof pan, making sure some of the pastry rises up the sides. Press gently down all over with the base of a glass to ensure the pastry is packed down tightly.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella and ricotta. Spread the cheese mixture over the pastry in the pan and cover with the remaining pastry. Pack down again with the base of a glass.
- Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25 minutes until crisp and golden.
- While the pastry is baking, make the syrup. Put the sugar into a saucepan with the lemon zest and juice and ½ cup (4 fl oz. or 120 ml) of water. Bring to the boil, then simmer for 8-10 minutes until the mixture reaches a syrupy consistency.
- Pour the syrup over the pastry as soon as it comes out of the oven, then allow to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before turning out on to a plate.
- Top with the chopped pistachios and rose petals, and cut into 4 slices to serve.
Tips:
- Use a high-quality knafeh dough that is fresh and pliable. - For the syrup, use a combination of sugar, water, lemon juice, and orange blossom water for a perfectly balanced flavor. - If you don't have a knafeh pan, you can use a regular baking pan, but the knafeh may not have the same crispy texture. - Make sure to use unsalted butter when browning the knafeh dough. - Be sure to knead the dough well before shaping it into thin strands. - When layering the knafeh dough and cheese, make sure to press the dough down firmly so that it adheres to the cheese. - Bake the knafeh until the top is golden brown and the syrup is bubbling. - Serve the knafeh warm or at room temperature, and top with chopped pistachios and clotted cream.Conclusion:
Knafeh is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its crispy dough, sweet syrup, and creamy cheese filling, it's the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, these recipes will help you create a delicious knafeh that will impress your friends and family.
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