Cheese Kunafa Recipe 2023

Cheese Kunafa Recipe 2023 (also spelled knafeh or kunefe) is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough and a sweet cheese filling, usually Akkawi or Nabulsi cheese.

The dough is usually soaked in sweet syrup before being served.

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Here is a recipe for making cheese kunafa:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of shredded phyllo dough (kataifi)
• 1 lb of Akkawi or Nabulsi cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tsp of lemon juice
• 1 tsp of orange blossom water (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a small saucepan, mix together the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sugar has completely dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in the orange blossom water, if using.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and shredded phyllo dough. Mix well until the dough is evenly coated with butter.
4. Spread half of the dough mixture evenly in the bottom of a 9-inch round baking pan or 10-inch ovenproof skillet, pressing it down to form a solid layer.
5. Spread the crumbled cheese evenly over the dough layer in the pan.
6. Spread the remaining dough mixture on top of the cheese, pressing it down firmly to form a solid layer.
7. Using a sharp knife, make diagonal cuts in the top layer of dough to create diamond-shaped pieces.
8. Bake the kunafa for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
9. Remove the kunafa from the oven and immediately pour the sweet syrup over the top.
10. Allow the kunafa to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
11. Serve the kunafa warm or at room temperature, garnished with chopped pistachios or almonds, if desired.

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Serve

Cheese kunafa is typically served warm or at room temperature. You can garnish it with chopped pistachios or almonds before serving, or drizzle it with honey for added sweetness.

You can serve the kunafa in the baking pan or skillet it was cooked in, or you can transfer it to a serving platter.

Traditionally, it is cut into diamond shapes, then serve on a plate.

It’s best to consume cheese kunafa soon after it’s made while it’s still warm and crispy. However, you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for a few days, then reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.