Kunafeh, also known as Kenafeh and Knafeh, is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that has gained immense popularity across the globe. This sweet delicacy consists of a layer of fine shredded filo dough (similar to angel hair pasta) topped with a rich filling of sweet cheese, usually made from cow's milk, goat's milk, or a combination of both. Kunafeh is often soaked in a sweet syrup made from sugar, rose water, and orange blossom water, giving it a distinctive flavor and aroma. Variations of this beloved dessert can be found across the region, each with its unique characteristics. Our article presents a collection of four delectable Kunafeh recipes that cater to different tastes and preferences. From the classic Kunafeh Nabulsiya to the crispy Kunafeh Kataifi and the indulgent Kunafeh Alghazal, our recipes offer a journey through the diverse world of Kunafeh. So, prepare to tantalize your taste buds as we dive into the art of creating this exceptional sweet delicacy.
Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!
KUNAFA RECIPE
Kunafa is the ultimate Middle Eastern dessert. A luscious, crunchy, and buttery shredded fillo (phyllo) enclosing the most creamy silky milk pudding and drizzled with fragrant simple syrup.
Provided by Amira
Categories Dessert
Time 1h15m
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- In a saucepan over medium-high heat add sugar, water, honey and your flavors, stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil then add the lemon juice. Turn heat down to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Turn heat off and let it cool completely and come to room temperature. Note4
- In a saucepan whisk together cold milk and cornstarch until dissolved.
- Place on your stovetop on medium, keep stirring the mixture until it bubbles and thickens.
- Take off heat, let it cool completely, or pour the mixture in a bowl and cover directly with plastic wrap. Note4
- In a microwave-safe bowl or in a small saucepan melt ghee and let it cool so you can handle.
- Take one half of the thawed knafeh and pulse in your food processor. Make sure not to turn it into powder.
- Place shredded knafeh in a bowl and proceed with the other half.
- Pour 3/4 of the melted ghee over the knafeh and massage with your hands to spread the ghee evenly.
- Preheat your oven to 350F.
- Brush a 10" round pan with some of the melted ghee. Note5
- Place half the knafeh on the pan pressing hard with another plate or a measuring cup to spread evenly along the bottom and the sides.
- Pour the pudding mixture topping it with the grated cheese if using.
- Spread the filling evenly leaving about half an inch from the sides.
- Top with the remaining half of the knafeh, spread evenly pressing lightly with your fingertips.
- Pour the remaining ghee evenly on top.
- Bake in the middle rack for 30 minutes until sides turn brown then move it up to brown the top for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Pour cooled syrup over while hot and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- If you want invert on a serving platter and garnish with crushed pistachios.Note6
Nutrition Facts : Calories 348.4 kcal, SaturatedFat 10.2 g, Cholesterol 35.3 mg, Sodium 144.2 mg, Carbohydrate 45.1 g, Fiber 0.6 g, Sugar 32.9 g, Protein 2.7 g, ServingSize 1 serving
KUNEFE
Kunefe, also known as knafah is a classic Middle Eastern dessert made of pastry filled with cheese that is then soaked in syrup. There are several regional varieties. The Turkish version, which inspired this recipe, uses the shredded phyllo called kadayif and sweet cheese (an unsalted melting cheese; unsalted mozzarella is a common substitute). The key to a good kunefe is having your syrup cooled to room temperature when it's time to pour it on the hot kunefe. (If the syrup is too warm it will turn the pastry mushy and cause it to fall apart). Kunefe is usually made in kunefe pans, which are available at specialty stores and online.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories dessert
Time 1h
Yield 2 servings
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- For the syrup: Put the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a boil, lower the heat to medium low and simmer until it thickens a bit, 10 to 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
- For the kunefe: Cut the kadayif into small pieces and put it in a large bowl. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter, add it to the bowl and mix with a spoon to make sure all of the kadayif pieces are coated in butter.
- Coat the bottoms of two 5-inch kunefe pans completely with 1 tablespoon of the butter. Spoon out a quarter of the kadayif mixture into one of the pans, spread and press down using a spoon. Crumble 1 ounce of the sweet cheese onto the kadayif, leaving about a 1/2-inch border on all sides. Top with another quarter of the kadayif mixture and press with your hands.
- Place the pan over medium-low heat and cook until golden on the bottom (there will be an aroma of toasted nuts), 4 to 6 minutes. Place the other prepared pan over the kunefe and flip (be careful, the pan is hot). Place it back on the heat and cook uncovered until the underside is golden, 4 to 6 minutes. Remove from the heat, drizzle 1/4 cup of the syrup all over the kunefe and top with 1 tablespoon of the ground pistachios. Re-butter the pans and repeat with the remaining kadayif, cheese, syrup and pistachios. Serve immediately with extra syrup for drizzling.
KUNAFE - KENAFE - KNAFE GIMZAWIA
A well known and delicious Arabic sweet commonly eaten in countries like Palestine and Jordan. This is a variation that my family does that does not contain "sweet cheese". Unlike other kenafe recipes, this one taste delicious reheated.
Provided by Um ahmad al gimzawie
Categories Cheesecake
Time 1h35m
Yield 1 slice, 10 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Combine water, sugar, and kenafe coloring and boil till it becomes syup consistency, let cool.
- Finley shred phyllo dough.
- Melt butter in microwave and mix together with shredded phyllo dough.
- Place in a 9x13 baking sheet and bake at 450° for about 5-10 minutes until dough gets a little crispy. Make sure to stir dough every 2 minutes so that it does not burn on edges.
- Remove a little more than half of the dough from the baking sheet.
- Spread remaining dough evenly and flatly on baking sheet.
- Mix sugar and ricotta cheese together, then place evenly on top layer of phyllo dough.
- Evenly spread remaining phyllo dough over layer of cheese.
- Bake on 425 for 30-40 minutes.
- Remove from oven and pour cooled syrup while kenafe is still hot.
- Decorate with chopped pistachios.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 388.4, Fat 16.3, SaturatedFat 9.8, Cholesterol 47, Sodium 148.9, Carbohydrate 55.2, Fiber 0.4, Sugar 42, Protein 6.7
Tips:
- To make the syrup, use equal parts sugar and water. You can also add a little lemon juice or rose water for flavor.
- When making the dough, be sure to knead it well until it is smooth and elastic. This will help to prevent the dough from tearing when you stretch it.
- If you don't have a round baking dish, you can use a square or rectangular dish instead. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Kunafeh can be served warm or cold. If you are serving it warm, be sure to let it cool slightly before cutting it into pieces.
Conclusion:
Kunafeh is a delicious and versatile dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a popular choice for special occasions, such as weddings and holidays, but it can also be enjoyed as a simple everyday treat. With its unique flavor and texture, kunafeh is sure to become a favorite in your home.
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