Description
A traditional Levantine dessert made with crispy shredded kataifi dough, a melted cheese center, and a fragrant rose-water sugar syrup.
Ingredients
200 g kataifi dough (kunafa shredded dough)
100 g unsalted butter, melted
200 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp crushed pistachios (for topping)
1 cup sugar (for syrup)
0.5 cup water
1 tsp lemon juice
0.5 tsp rose water (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Combine 1 cup sugar, 0.5 cup water, and 1 tsp lemon juice in a saucepan. Boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Add rose water and let cool.
Step 2: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch baking pan with butter.
Step 3: Chop the kataifi dough into 1-inch pieces using a food processor or scissors.
Step 4: Mix the chopped dough with 100g melted butter and 2 tbsp sugar, rubbing it in thoroughly with your hands.
Step 5: Press two-thirds of the dough firmly into the bottom of the pan.
Step 6: Layer the shredded mozzarella over the dough, then cover with the remaining kataifi dough.
Step 7: Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden. Pour the cooled syrup over the hot kunafa immediately. Top with pistachios.
Notes
Ensure the syrup is completely cool before pouring it over the hot kunafa to maintain the crispy texture of the dough.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 445 kcal
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
