Kunafe – Kenafe – Knafe Gimzawia

May 23, 2023May 23, 20230 3

Exquisite Kunafe recipe for a Middle Eastern sweet fix

by The Chefin Dessert

Prep

20 min

Cook

45 min

Ready In

65 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

Ingredients

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

420

Sugar

32g

Fat

26g

Kunafe is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert loved by people all over the world. It is a sweet cheese pastry that is crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside. It's made with ricotta cheese, shredded phyllo dough, melted butter, sugar syrup, and pistachios. The cheese is sweetened with a sugar syrup that is lightly flavored with kenafe food coloring. Kunafe is often served during festive occasions and is enjoyed best with hot tea or coffee. A bite of this delightful Middle Eastern pastry will transport your taste buds to another world!

Instructions

1.	Add sugar, water, and kenafe food coloring in a saucepan. Bring to boil and remove from heat once sugar dissolves.
2.	Punch holes on the ricotta cheese and add the sugar syrup.
3.	In a separate bowl, mix shredded phyllo dough and melted butter.
4.	In a 9 *13 inch baking dish, make a bottom crust with half the phyllo dough mixture.
5.	Spread the ricotta cheese over it.
6.	Finish off with the remaining phyllo dough mixture.
7.	Bake in a preheated oven set to 350° for 20-30 minutes
8.	Remove from oven and evenly sprinkle the finely diced pistachios on top.
9.	Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes
10.	Remove from oven and let it cool for 30 minutes before serving.

PROS

This Middle Eastern dessert is rich and decadent with a satisfying crunch from the phyllo dough.

The nutty and sweet flavor of pistachios give an additional texture and taste.

CONS

Kunafe is high in calories, sugar, and fat.
One serving can easily exceed 400 calories and needs to be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Ricotta cheese is a good source of protein and calcium that promotes bone health and muscle function. Pistachios are heart-healthy due to their high content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

	15 ounces ricotta cheese
	0.5 package shredded phyllo dough
	8 tablespoons sweet butter
	1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
	finely diced pistachios
	2 cups sugar
	2 cups water
	1/2 teaspoon kenafe food coloring