Kunafa Recipe: Delicious Middle Eastern Dessert
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| Kunafa |
Kunafa is a delicious Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, sweet cheese, and a sugar syrup. It is a popular dish during Ramadan and other special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 package (16 ounces) shredded phyllo dough
- 1 pound sweet cheese, such as ricotta or mozzarella
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon rose water (optional)
- 1/4 cup pistachios, chopped (optional)
- Syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine the phyllo dough, sweet cheese, sugar, butter, rose water, and pistachios (if using).
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the sugar syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved.
- Pour the sugar syrup over the kunafa.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the filling is heated through.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- To make ahead, assemble the kunafa and refrigerate it up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove the kunafa from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- To make gluten-free, use gluten-free phyllo dough.
- To make vegan, use vegan butter and milk.
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of light and dark brown sugar.
- To prevent the crust from becoming soggy, brush it with an egg wash before baking.
- If you don't have a 9x13 inch baking dish, you can use a 9-inch pie plate. Just be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
