Kanafeh or Kunafa or Kanafi

Experience the decadent delight of Kanafeh, also known as Kunafa or Kanafi, a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that pairs crispy, golden shredded phyllo dough (kataifi) with a luscious sweet cheese filling. This indulgent treat is baked to perfection and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with zesty lemon, aromatic rose water, and orange blossom water. Topped with a sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios for a nutty crunch, Kanafeh is the epitome of a sweet-salty dessert. Perfect for festive gatherings or special occasions, this easy-to-follow recipe will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling streets of the Middle East. Serve it warm and watch it melt hearts at every bite!

Nutriscore Rating: 49/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 8

Ingredients

• 300 grams Shredded phyllo dough (kataifi)
• 150 grams Unsalted butter, melted
• 200 grams Sweet cheese (e.g., mozzarella or akkawi, soaked if salty)
• 150 grams Ricotta cheese
• 200 grams Sugar
• 120 ml Water
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Rose water (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Orange blossom water (optional)
• 50 grams Pistachios, finely chopped

Directions

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

If using akkawi cheese, soak it in water for 1-2 hours, changing the water every 30 minutes to reduce saltiness. Alternatively, use mozzarella cheese. Shred the cheese and mix it with the ricotta in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 3

Prepare the sugar syrup by combining the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved, then bring to a boil. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the lemon juice, rose water, and orange blossom water if using, then remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Step 4

Place the shredded phyllo dough in a large bowl and gently separate the strands with your hands. Pour the melted butter over the dough and mix thoroughly until every strand is coated.

Step 5

Grease a round 23cm (9-inch) baking pan with butter. Spread half of the buttered dough evenly on the bottom of the pan, pressing it down gently with your hands or a flat spatula to form a compact layer.

Step 6

Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the layer of phyllo dough.

Step 7

Cover the cheese with the remaining buttered phyllo dough, spreading it out evenly and pressing it gently to ensure it forms a smooth top layer.

Step 8

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 9

Remove the kanafeh from the oven and immediately pour the cooled sugar syrup evenly over the hot dessert. Let it soak for a few minutes.

Step 10

Garnish with chopped pistachios before slicing and serving warm.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1216.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3994.4

Total Fat 211.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 119.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 559.4mg	0%
Sodium 2267.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 437.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.4g	0%
Total Sugars 209.0g
Protein 99.0g	0%

Vitamin D 12IU	0%
Calcium 1771.2mg	0%
Iron 7.3mg	0%
Potassium 1122.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.0%

Protein: 9.8%

Carbs: 43.2%