Kunafa recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
40min
Total Time
1hr

A traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo pastry, filled with nuts or sweetened cheese, and soaked in a fragrant syrup.

Ingredients

8 Servings
(1 serving = piece)

For the Kunafa

  • 250g
    kunafa dough (shredded phyllo pastry)
  • 100g
    unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1cup
    finely chopped nuts (like pistachios or walnuts) or sweetened cheese (like mozzarella or ricotta)

For the Syrup

  • 1cup
    sugar
  • 1/2cup
    water
  • 1tbsp
    lemon juice
  • 1tsp
    rose or orange blossom water (optional)

How to make Kunafa

Prepare the Syrup

  1. 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.

  2. Remove from heat and add rose or orange blossom water if using. Let it cool.

Prepare the Kunafa

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

  2. In a large bowl, separate the kunafa dough with your fingers. Pour the melted butter over it and mix well to coat.

  3. Grease a baking dish with some butter. Spread half of the kunafa dough evenly in the bottom of the dish, pressing it down firmly.

  4. If using nuts, sprinkle them evenly over the base layer. If using cheese, spread it over the base.

  5. Top with the remaining kunafa dough, pressing down gently.

Bake

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on top.

Finish

  1. Remove from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot kunafa.

  2. Let it sit for a few minutes to absorb the syrup.

Serve

  1. Garnish with additional chopped nuts if desired. Cut into squares or diamond shapes and serve warm.

Tips & Tricks

  1. Ensure the syrup is completely cooled before pouring it over the hot kunafa to achieve the best texture.

  2. For a more traditional flavor, use a combination of rose and orange blossom water in the syrup.

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Recipe by

Chef Ash

(@muslima123)

Love cooking new dishes Expert in hydrabadi and Arabi food cuisine