Hey Lykkers! Kunefe, also known as knafeh, is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert that features crispy pastry layered with gooey cheese, all drenched in fragrant sugar syrup.

Making kunefe at home is easier than it seems, and it's a perfect treat to impress your friends and family!

Ingredients

To prepare kunefe, gather the following ingredients:

For the pastry:

400 grams of kadaif (shredded phyllo dough)

150 grams of unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

250 grams of mozzarella cheese (or a mix of mozzarella and ricotta)

1 tablespoon of sugar (optional, to sweeten the cheese)

For the syrup:

200 grams of sugar

120 ml of water

1 teaspoon of lemon juice

A splash of rose or orange blossom water (for flavor)

For garnish:

Crushed pistachios or walnuts

Instructions

Preparing the Syrup

Make the syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves. Incorporate lemon juice and allow it to simmer for approximately 10 minutes until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency. Remove from heat and add rose or orange blossom water. Set aside to cool.

Preparing the Kunefe

Preheat the oven:Set your oven to preheat at 180°C (350°F).

Prepare the dough: If your kadaif is frozen, thaw it completely. Place it in a large bowl and gently separate the strands with your fingers.

Add melted butter: Pour melted butter over the kadaif and mix well, ensuring the strands are fully coated.

Assemble the kunefe: Grease a round baking dish with butter. Take half of the buttered kadaif and spread it evenly in the bottom of the dish, pressing down gently to create a firm base.

Add the cheese filling: Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of dough. If desired, sprinkle a little sugar over the cheese to enhance sweetness.

Top it off: Layer the remaining kadaif over the cheese, applying gentle pressure to compress it.

Baking

Bake the kunefe: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Serving

Add the syrup: After removing it from the oven, promptly drizzle the cooled syrup over the hot kunefe, permitting it to absorb for several minutes.

Garnish and enjoy: Garnish with crushed pistachios or walnuts. Serve warm, ideally with a side of yogurt or ice cream.

Kunefe is not just a dessert; it embodies the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, reflecting the region's love for sweet, indulgent treats. This delightful dish combines the crunch of shredded pastry with the melt-in-your-mouth texture of cheese, all elevated by a fragrant syrup that adds a layer of sweetness. Making kunefe at home allows you to explore these traditions while customizing the flavors to suit your taste.