Description
A classic Middle Eastern kunafa featuring crisp buttery kataifi pastry layered with creamy milk filling, soaked in fragrant syrup, and topped with pistachios.
Ingredients
2 cups granulated sugar
1 1/4 cups water
1/4 cup honey
1 teaspoon lime juice
1 tablespoon orange blossom water or 1 tablespoon rose water or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups whole milk
3 to 4 tablespoons cornstarch
8 ounces sweet cheese, grated (optional)
1 pound kataifi pastry (knafeh dough), thawed
1 cup ghee, melted
Crushed pistachios for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the syrup by combining sugar, water, honey, and flavoring in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil, add lime juice, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and cool completely.
- Make the filling by whisking milk and cornstarch in a saucepan until smooth. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and cool.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Pulse kataifi pastry in a food processor in batches until strands are shorter but not fine crumbs.
- Transfer pastry to a bowl and mix with three-quarters of the melted ghee until evenly coated.
- Grease a 10-inch round pan and press half of the pastry into the bottom and slightly up the sides.
- Spread the cooled milk filling evenly over the base, leaving a small border. Add grated sweet cheese if using.
- Cover with remaining pastry and press lightly. Drizzle remaining ghee over the top.
- Bake on the center rack for 30 minutes, then move higher and bake another 10 to 15 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Pour cooled syrup over hot kunafa immediately after baking. Let rest for 10 minutes.
- Garnish with crushed pistachios and serve warm.
Notes
You can substitute butter for ghee, though ghee gives a richer flavor.
Orange blossom or rose water adds a traditional floral aroma, while vanilla offers a milder taste.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven to restore crispness rather than using a microwave.
Can be assembled ahead and baked fresh before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
