Ingredients

1 1/4 cups sugar cups sugar
3/4 cup water
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 tablespoon orange blossom water ( not an option )
1/2 cup rice flour
4 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons sugar
1 lb kataifi pastry , defrosted
1/2 - 3/4 lb unsalted butter , melted ( I use more than 1/2 lb but less than 3/4 lb )
1/3 cup pistachios , chopped
Cream Kunafa is a famous Middle Eastern dessert that originated in Bethlehem. It is made with a shredded phyllo pastry called kataifi, which is layered with a creamy filling and soaked in sugar syrup. The dish is commonly served in festivals, weddings, and special events throughout the Middle East. Variations of the dish exist across North Africa, Arab, and Mediterranean cuisines. Some countries add cheese or fruits to the filling while others sprinkle spices or nuts on top. Kunafa is a staple dessert during Ramadan, and it has gained popularity worldwide as a crowd-pleaser dessert.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 350°F.
2.In a saucepan, mix sugar, water, lemon juice, and orange blossom water. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 10 minutes.
3.In a separate bowl, mix rice flour with 1/4 cup of cold water until smooth.
4.Add the rice flour mixture to the sugar syrup and stir until well combined.
5.Add milk and heavy cream to the mixture and simmer over medium heat for 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
6.In the meantime, butter a 9 inch round baking pan. Separate the kataifi pastry into 2 sections and cut them into small pieces.
7.In a mixing bowl, toss the kataifi pastry and melted butter together until well coated. Press half of the mixture into the buttered pan.
8.Spread the cooked cream over the kataifi pastry. Then, top with the remaining buttered kataifi pastry mixture.
9.Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes.
10.Invert the pan onto a large plate, garnish with chopped pistachios. Serve with a drizzle of honey on top!

PROS

Cream Kunafa tastes divine with its soft and buttery pastry layers and creamy filling.
It is a show-stopper dessert that is sure to impress your guests.

CONS

Kunafa requires some practice in preparing the pastry, shaping, and baking.
Kataifi pastry is not available in all stores and substitutions may not give the desired results.
This dessert is high in calories and fat, so it should be enjoyed in moderation.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Kunafa is not a health food, it contains several beneficial ingredients. Milk and cream are rich in calcium and protein, which are essential for bone health and growth. Pistachios are packed with protein and fiber. They also contain healthy fats that can help reduce the risk of heart disease. Honey has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help fight infections and maintain healthy skin.

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