Kunafa – Middle Eastern Cheese Pastry

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Oh, the charm of Kunafa! My first encounter with this glorious Middle Eastern cheese pastry was during a family gathering, where the aroma of freshly baked pastry wafted through the air like a warm hug. The golden strands of kunafa dough glistened with melted butter, and just underneath, the luscious blend of mozzarella and ricotta beckoned me to dive right in. Each bite was a dance of textures — crisp on the outside, melt-in-your-mouth cheesy on the inside, drizzled with a sweet syrup that tied it all together beautifully. It didn’t take long for me to fall head over heels for this dish, and I know you will too!

Making Kunafa transforms your kitchen into a warm, cozy bakery, filling the air with buttery and sweet scents that invite everyone to the table. Trust me, once you pull this treat from the oven and serve it warm, your loved ones will rush to have a taste, and they’ll always ask for seconds! Let’s wander together through the steps of creating this melt-in-your-mouth marvel in your own kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: You don’t have to be a pastry chef to whip this up!
• Quick Cooking Time: In less than an hour, you can have this delicious dessert ready to amaze your friends and family.
• Decadently Cheesy: The creamy ricotta and mozzarella combination offers such a delightful flavor and texture.
• Sweetly Indulgent: The fragrant syrup made with rose or orange blossom water adds a unique floral sweetness you won’t forget.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Perfect for gatherings; everyone will ask for your secret recipe!
• Versatile: You can customize it with a variety of flavors and toppings.

Ingredients

• 500g Kunafa dough: This is the star! Look for strands that are fresh and crispy for the best texture.
• 100g Unsalted butter (melted): The key to achieving that golden, crispy crust. Don’t be shy; drizzle it generously!
• 250g Ricotta cheese: Creamy and light, this will make the filling delightfully rich.
• 250g Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that stretchy, cheesy goodness that pulls apart just right.
• 200g Granulated sugar: Sweetness is essential for the syrup that goes soaking into the kunafa.
• 250ml Water: To create the syrup, this will help balance the sweetness and add moisture.
• 1 tsp Rose water or orange blossom water: A little floral note that gives this dessert its distinct character. Go ahead, embrace the magic!

Full recipe card is below.

How to Make It

Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The moment all those cozy scents fill your home, you’ll know it’s worth it!

Grease Your Baking Dish

Grab a large baking dish and grease it generously with some melted butter. This makes for the perfect golden crust that’s crispy and not sticky!

Mix the Cheesy Filling

In a cozy mixing bowl, blend the ricotta and mozzarella until you have a harmoniously creamy mixture. The rich aroma will be hard to resist, so maybe sneak a taste or two!

Layer Your Dough

Take half of the kunafa dough, and spread it evenly in your prepared baking dish. Drizzle it lovingly with melted butter to ensure each strand gets that golden treatment.

Add the Cheese Mixture

Spoon the creamy cheese blend evenly over the kunafa layer. Now, fold over any stray strands of dough — every piece deserves a little love!

Top It Off

Take the remaining kunafa dough and sprinkle it over the cheese mixture. Pour more melted butter on top; yes, more butter is always better!

Bake

Pop that beauty into your preheated oven and let it bake for 30–40 minutes until it turns a wonderful golden brown. The smell wafting through your kitchen will make you feel like you’re in culinary heaven!

Prepare the Syrup

In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring it to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Once you have a lovely syrup, stir in your rose water or orange blossom water. So fragrant!

Drizzle Over Kunafa

Once your kunafa is baked and bubbling, take it out, and drizzle the warm syrup generously over the top. Allow it to soak for at least 15 minutes. Trust me, the waiting will be worth it as the kunafa absorbs all that sweet goodness!

Pro Tips for Success

• Ensure your kunafa strands are fully thawed and not clumped together before use for lovely even layers.
• Don’t skip the soaking time after drizzling the syrup—this is where the magic happens!
• Experiment with different nuts like crushed pistachios on top for a delightful crunch.
• Keep an eye on the baking—oven times may vary, so look for that golden color.

Flavor Variations

• Nutty Delight: Layer in some crushed nuts, like pistachios or walnuts, between the two layers of kunafa for an added crunch!
• Chocolate Twist: Replace half of the cheese mix with some chocolate spread or chocolate chips for a heavenly chocolatey treat.
• Seasonal Fruits: Top the finished kunafa with seasonal fruits like berries or figs for a fresh flourish.

Serving Suggestions

Kunafa is best served warm, dusted with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios, or even a dusting of powdered sugar for a sweet touch. For drinks, I love pairing it with a sweet mint tea or even a rich cup of coffee to balance the flavors. Serve it on a beautiful platter, and watch faces light up with joy!

Make-Ahead & Storage

You can prepare the kunafa up to two days in advance by layering it in your baking dish, covering it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerating. Just add the syrup before serving! Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Leftovers

Grab some leftovers and turn them into delightful kunafa bites! Cut the kunafa into squares, give them a light toast in a skillet, and drizzle with honey for a quick dessert.

Freezing

Yes, kunafa can indeed be frozen! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your kunafa in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, around 10-15 minutes. You can also refresh it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little butter for a crispy finish.

FAQs

What is Kunafa?
Kunafa is a delightful Middle Eastern pastry made with thin strands of dough, filled often with a creamy cheese mix, and drenched in sweet syrup.

Can I use other cheeses?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses, like cream cheese or ricotta, for unique textures and flavors.

What can I serve with Kunafa?
Alongside kunafa, you can serve fresh fruits, ice cream, or simply enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea.

Is Kunafa gluten-free?
Traditional kunafa is made with wheat-based dough. You could explore gluten-free options, but they may require a different approach.

Final Thoughts

As you gather around the table with your freshly made Kunafa, I encourage you to savor each bite, celebrate the sweet moments shared with loved ones, and maybe even create lovely memories to pass down. There’s something magical about this pastry that warms the heart and brings smiles. Happy baking, friends! With love from your cozy kitchen, Chef Ellie.

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