Kunafa the Traditionally Desert

May 23, 2023May 23, 20230 13
Kunafa the traditionally desert for a sweet Middle Eastern treat
in Dessert

Prep

40 min

Cook

35 min

Ready In

75 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars
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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

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe
10
Calories
510
Sugar
44g
Fat
27g
Kunafa is a Middle Eastern dessert that is typically enjoyed during special occasions. It is made with kunafa pastry dough, which is shredded and then filled with a mixture of nuts, sugar, and cinnamon. The dish is then covered in sweet syrup and baked until golden and crispy on top. It is a sweet and delicious dessert that is perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Instructions

1.Begin by making the syrup. Heat the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
2.Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in rose water or vanilla extract.
3.Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
4.In a mixing bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts (or pistachios), 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar, and cinnamon.
5.Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish and begin shredding the kunafa pastry dough into thin as possible strands.
6.Pour melted butter over the strips of kunafa pastry, and use your hands to gently mix the pastry with the butter. Then, press gently into the baking dish.
7.Add the nut mixture on top of the pastry layer. Add the raisins (if using) and blanched almonds on top.
8.Finally, cover the nut mixture with the remaining pastry strands that have been mixed with melted butter.
9.Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry begins to turn golden and crispy on top.
10.Remove from the oven and immediately pour the sugar syrup over the entire dish. Let it cool slightly, then serve and enjoy!

PROS

Kunafa is a sweet and delicious Middle Eastern dessert that is perfect for any occasion.
The shredded pastry with the filling inside, along with the sweet syrup on top, makes it a fantastic dessert.

CONS

It is high in sugar and fat which means that it should be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Also, it may be difficult to find the Kunafa pastry dough, depending on where you are located.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

While Kunafa isn’t particularly healthy, it does contain nuts which provide healthy fats, protein, and fiber.
Nuts have been linked to improved heart health and reduced inflammation.
In addition, the dish is often made with rose water, which has a calming effect and can help reduce stress.

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