Künefe

Künefe is an authentic Middle Eastern dessert that brings together the perfect combination of crispy kadaif pastry and melted, creamy cheese, all soaked in a rich sugar syrup. Topped with ground pistachios and served with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of ice cream, this dessert offers a luxurious flavor experience that is both crispy, sweet, and refreshing. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests with a unique and indulgent dessert, künefe is sure to leave a lasting impression with its rich aromas!

Künefe Recipe

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

For the base:

• 200 g kadaif pastry (finely shredded dough strands)
• 100 g unsalted butter, melted
• 200 g unsalted cheese (preferably mozzarella or a melting cheese like akawi or ricotta)

For the syrup:

• 200 g sugar
• 150 ml water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional, for aroma)

For garnish:

• Ground pistachios or walnuts
• Clotted cream (kaymak) or ice cream (optional, for serving)

Preparation:

Making the syrup:

1. In a small pot, combine the sugar and water and heat over medium heat until it comes to a boil.
2. Once the syrup starts boiling, add the lemon juice and cook for another 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
3. If desired, add rose water or orange blossom water for extra aroma. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely.

Preparing the künefe:

1. Separate the kadaif pastry strands by hand to loosen them, then mix them with the melted butter. Make sure all the strands are well coated with the butter.
2. Divide the kadaif into two equal parts. Take a baking dish or a small round baking pan (ideally 18-20 cm in diameter) and press half of the kadaif pastry evenly into the bottom.
3. Spread the grated cheese evenly over the kadaif, making sure it doesn’t reach the edges to prevent the cheese from leaking out during baking.
4. Cover the cheese with the second half of the kadaif pastry and press gently to ensure everything is well combined.

Baking:

1. Bake the künefe in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
   • Alternative: You can also cook it on the stovetop in a pan over low heat, flipping halfway through to ensure both sides are evenly crispy and golden.

Adding the syrup and serving:

1. Once the künefe is baked, immediately pour the cold syrup over the hot künefe (the contrast between hot künefe and cold syrup provides the best texture).
2. Sprinkle with ground pistachios and serve with a dollop of clotted cream or a scoop of ice cream if desired.

Preparation Time:

• Preparing the pastry and cheese: 10 minutes
• Making the syrup: 10 minutes
• Baking: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Nutritional Value (per serving, approximately):

• Calories: 450-500 kcal
• Protein: 10-12 g
• Carbohydrates: 45-50 g
• Fat: 25-30 g
• Fiber: 2 g

Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the type of cheese and the amount of syrup used.

Künefe is a unique dessert that combines the crispiness of kadaif pastry with creamy, melted cheese, and the sweet, rich flavor of the syrup. This dessert is perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress guests with an authentic Middle Eastern treat!