Description
Kunafa is a delicious Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, filled with ricotta cheese, and topped with a sweet syrup and crushed pistachios.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces of shredded phyllo dough (kataifi)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup crushed pistachios (for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little melted butter.
- In a large bowl, separate the shredded phyllo dough and mix it with the melted butter until well coated. Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of the prepared baking dish to form a crust.
- Spread the ricotta cheese evenly over the crust. If desired, sprinkle ground cinnamon over the cheese for added flavor.
- Top the ricotta layer with the remaining half of the buttered phyllo dough, spreading it evenly to cover the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- While the kunafa is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Once the kunafa is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot kunafa. Allow it to soak for about 10 minutes.
- Garnish with crushed pistachios before serving. Cut into squares or diamond shapes and enjoy warm.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, try adding a layer of cream cheese mixed with a little sugar on top of the ricotta.
- You can also substitute the ricotta with a mixture of cream cheese and mascarpone for a creamier texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg