A traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo pastry, filled with nuts or sweetened cheese, and soaked in a fragrant syrup.
Ingredients
For the Kunafa
- 250gkunafa dough (shredded phyllo pastry)
- 100gunsalted butter (melted)
- 1cupfinely chopped nuts (like pistachios or walnuts) or sweetened cheese (like mozzarella or ricotta)
For the Syrup
- 1cupsugar
- 1/2cupwater
- 1tbsplemon juice
- 1tsprose or orange blossom water (optional)
How to make Kunafa
Prepare the Syrup
In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
Remove from heat and add rose or orange blossom water if using. Let it cool.
Prepare the Kunafa
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
In a large bowl, separate the kunafa dough with your fingers. Pour the melted butter over it and mix well to coat.
Grease a baking dish with some butter. Spread half of the kunafa dough evenly in the bottom of the dish, pressing it down firmly.
If using nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the base layer. If using cheese, spread it over the base.
Top with the remaining kunafa dough, pressing down gently.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top.
Finish
Remove from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot kunafa.
Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the syrup.
Serve
Garnish with additional chopped nuts if desired. Cut into squares or diamond shapes and serve warm.
Tips & Tricks
Ensure the syrup is completely cooled before pouring it over the hot kunafa to achieve the best texture.
For a more traditional flavor, use a combination of rose and orange blossom water in the syrup.
