Delicious Middle Eastern Dessert Recipe: Kanafa

Kanafa is a delectable Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, butter, and a sweet sugar syrup. The dish is known for its crispy golden exterior and creamy cheesy center. This recipe will guide you through the steps to prepare a mouthwatering Kanafa from scratch. With a preparation time of approximately 45 minutes, you can surprise your guests with this traditional dessert that will transport them to the streets of the Middle East.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shredded phyllo dough (kataifi)
• 1 cup clarified butter
• 1 lb mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 lb sweet cheese (such as nabulsi or akkawi), shredded
• 1 cup simple syrup (made with equal parts sugar and water)
• 1/4 cup pistachios, crushed (for garnish)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a baking dish, spread half of the shredded phyllo dough and press it down to form an even layer.
3. Drizzle half of the clarified butter over the phyllo dough.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella and sweet cheese. Mix well.
5. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the phyllo dough layer.
6. Cover the cheese layer with the remaining shredded phyllo dough, pressing it down gently.
7. Drizzle the rest of the clarified butter over the top layer.
8. Bake the kanafa in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove the kanafa from the oven and immediately pour the simple syrup over it. Allow the syrup to soak into the dessert for 10 minutes.
10. Garnish the kanafa with crushed pistachios.
11. Serve the kanafa warm and enjoy the gooey, cheesy, and sweet flavors.

Interesting Facts