WHAT IS kunafa

Kunafa is a sugar-soaked pastry that is common in a number of Arabic countries . Though the exact preparation and the spelling of the name varies by region, most kunafa are layered or filled with either cheese or cream, soaked in a sugar syrup flavored with rose water or orange blossom water, and then topped with ground nuts like pistachios.

The dessert is usually made with long, thin strands of shredded phyllo dough known as kataifi. In fact, the word, kunafa is used interchangeably to describe both the dessert and the dough. The dough is usually fried or baked with butter or oil until it is crisp. In some variations, the kunafa is made with a rich, cake-like semolina dough instead.

If you’re looking for an easy kunafa recipe, we’ve got one you should try. It uses kataifi dough (which can be found at many supermarkets) and ricotta cheese. If you can’t find the rosewater recommended in the recipe, try using vanilla extract instead. Or, simply make the sugar syrup without the rosewater; the resulting kunafa will still be sweet and delicious.

How to Make Kunafa ?

Ingredients

1 lb konafa pastry dough (can be found in most middle eastern, arab or greek grocery stores or markets)
1⁄2 lb butter, melted
1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1⁄2 lemon, juice of
1⁄2 teaspoon rose water or 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1⁄4 cup blanched whole almond
1⁄2 cup golden raisin
2 cups walnuts, coarsely chopped (or 2 1/2 cups pistachios and omit raisins)
2 1⁄2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 lb soft ricotta cheese (this is an alternative filling, if using ricotta omit the nuts, raisins, cinnamon and the 2 1/2 tbsp)
butter, for buttering the pan

Directions

1. In a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, add water, the 1 1/2 cups sugar and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Let simmer to a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat, let cool and add rosewater or vanilla.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F/180 degrees Celsius Butter a 12-inch round, 2-inch high cake pan.
3. In a large bowl gently loosen kataifi. Mix very well with the 1/2 pound of melted butter. Place blanched almonds in a decorative pattern in the cake pan. Cover with half of the kataifi. Press down lightly.
4. If using the ricotta cheese, spread in an even layer over kataifi, then cover with the remaining half of the kataifi. Press down gently.
5. If using the raisins and walnuts sprinkle an even layer over kataifi. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar. Cover with the remainig half of the kataifi. Press down gently.
6. Bake until lightly golden, about 30 to 45 minutes. (Note: the reverse side will be more golden when you turn it out.)
7. Immediately pour cold sugar syrup evenly over the hot kunafa. Let cool completely to room temperature. Invert onto serving plate.
8. If using the ricotta cheese, kunafa should be served warm or hot. It may be difficult to invert with the ricotta filling so cut and serve from pan.

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