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Knafeh: Middle Eastern Crispy Cheese Pastry with Rose Water Syrup Recipe

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4.1 from 70 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A classic Middle Eastern dessert featuring crispy shredded phyllo dough layered with gooey cheese and soaked in fragrant rose or orange blossom-infused sugar syrup, crowned with crushed pistachios for a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Ingredients

For the Knafeh:

  • 400 g kataifi (shredded phyllo dough)
  • 200 g mozzarella or akkawi cheese
  • 150 g butter, melted

For the Syrup:

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water

For Garnish:

  • Crushed pistachios

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it is ready for baking the knafeh.
  2. Prepare Syrup: In a saucepan, bring the sugar and water to a boil. Once the sugar dissolves and the syrup slightly thickens, remove from heat and stir in the rose water or orange blossom water. Set aside to cool.
  3. Prepare Kataifi Dough: Carefully separate the kataifi strands with your fingers to avoid clumping. Mix the shredded kataifi thoroughly with the melted butter until evenly coated to achieve a crisp texture when baked.
  4. Assemble Knafeh: Press half of the buttered kataifi into the base of a greased baking dish to form an even layer. Evenly distribute the cheese over this base layer, then cover with the remaining kataifi, pressing gently to compact the layers.
  5. Bake: Place the assembled knafeh in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes until the top is golden brown and crisp.
  6. Add Syrup and Garnish: Remove the knafeh from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot pastry to soak in. Sprinkle crushed pistachios generously on top for garnish.
  7. Serve: Serve the knafeh warm to enjoy the contrast of crispy pastry and melted, gooey cheese with fragrant syrup.

Notes

  • Use low-moisture cheese like processed mozzarella or akkawi to prevent excess water making the knafeh soggy.
  • Serve the knafeh immediately after adding syrup for the best texture, as it tends to soften over time.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Find it online: https://sarasplate.com/knafeh-middle-eastern-crispy-cheese-pastry-with-rose-water-syrup-recipe/