Kunafa – A Traditional Arabic Dessert
Kunafa dessert is a popular dessert in the Middle East. It’s made of kataifi, or vermicelli, pastry, which is shredded and layered with a cream cheese filling. soaked in sugar syrup. The dish has its roots in the Ottoman Empire and was influenced by a Persian dessert called Koloocheh.
The word “kunafa” is derived from “Qunafah” which means “a piece of cloth.” It is believed that this name was given to the dessert because it resembles a piece of cloth that has been folded over and over again.
This dessert was originally made by wrapping pieces of dough around cheese, but this method was replaced by using kataifi pastry in the late 19th century.
Kunafa can be served as an individual dish or as a part of a larger meal. Kunafa can be served hot or cold and can also be topped with pistachios or almonds.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make a Delicious Kunafa Dessert at Home
A common dessert in the Middle East is kunafa or knafeh, which is comprised of layers of vermicelli or shredded phyllo pastry filled with sweet cheese and drizzled with sugar syrup. It’s surprisingly simple to cook at home and the ideal way to wrap up any dinner. This section will walk you through every step of creating the ideal kunafa dessert if you’re seeking a genuine handmade kunafa recipe. This section offers all the instructions you need to create a delicious classic kunafa dessert, from gathering the materials to baking and presenting your handmade version.
Ingredients:-
- Roasted Vermicelli – 300 gm
- Ricotta cheese – 450 gm
- Thick cream – 250 ml
- mozzarella cheese – 200 gm
- sugar – 1 cup
- water – 2 cups
- lemon juice – 1 tsp
- cardamom powder – 1/4 tsp
- rose water – 1 tsp
- butter – 1/2 cup
- pistachios powdered – 5 tbsp
Preparation:-
1. Take 300 gms of roasted, broken vermicelli in a mixing bowl, Add half a cup of melted butter to the vermicelli mix well until the vermicelli turns moist, and set aside.
2. To another bowl add 450 gms of ricotta cheese, also add 250 ml thick cream, Mix well until a smooth mixture is formed, set aside
3. For making sugar syrup, to a heated vessel or pan add 1 cup of sugar, pour 2 cups of water, stir and dissolve the sugar.
4. for flavor drop a slice of lemon into the sugar syrup also pour 1 teaspoon of rose water and a quarter teaspoon of cardamom powder. mix and simmer for 10 mins. once the syrup is ready discard the lemon slice and allow it to cool.
5. Grease the Baking tray, Take half of the vermicelli and evenly spread it on the baking tray to form the first layer, press it down while layering to get a firm base.
6. Evenly spread the prepared cheese mixture over the layered vermicelli.
7. Over the cheese mixture spread 200 gms of mozzarella cheese.
8. Above the mozzarella cheese evenly spread the remaining vermicelli. once done it is all set to go inside the oven.
9. Bake at 180 degrees C for 15 mins.
10. After 15 mins, the top layer has turned golden removed it from the oven.
11. Place it on a flat surface and pour the prepared sugar syrup over it. Make sure the Kunafa is completely soaked in the syrup.
12. Decorate the kunafa with chopped or powdered pistachios. Serve it hot or chilled. Pour sugar syrup while serving.
Last but not least, the Kunafa Dessert dish is a classic Middle Eastern sweet that is both delectable and aesthetically pleasing. vermicelli, melted butter, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and a sweet syrup drizzling are some of the basic components used to make it. Using fresh ingredients and handling the phyllo dough delicately to avoid it from getting too dry or brittle are key to preparing a delicious Kunafa. The outcome is a pastry that is both sweet and savory, crispy and flaky, and the ideal way to end any meal. The Kunafa Dessert dish is sure to please, whether you’re hosting a company or just searching for a sweet treat to enjoy at home.
Kunafa Dessert | Perfect Kunafa with ricotta and mozzarella cheese
Ingredients:-
Preparation:-
Take 300 gms of roasted, broken vermicelli in a mixing bowl, Add half a cup of melted butter to the vermicelli mix well until the vermicelli turns moist, and set aside.
To another bowl add 450 gms of ricotta cheese, also add 250 ml thick cream, Mix well until a smooth mixture is formed, and set aside
For making sugar syrup, to a heated vessel or pan add 1 cup of sugar, pour 2 cups of water, stir and dissolve the sugar.
For flavor, drop a slice of lemon into the sugar syrup also pour 1 teaspoon of rose water and a quarter teaspoon of cardamom powder. mix and simmer for 10 mins. once the syrup is ready discard the lemon slice and allow it to cool.
Grease the Baking tray, Take half of the vermicelli and evenly spread it on the baking tray to form the first layer, and press it down while layering to get a firm base.
Evenly spread the prepared cheese mixture over the layered vermicelli.
Over the cheese mixture spread 200 gms of mozzarella cheese.
Above the mozzarella cheese evenly spread the remaining vermicelli. once done it is all set to go inside the oven.
Bake at 180 degrees C for 15 mins.
After 15 mins, the top layer has turned golden removed it from the oven.
Place it on a flat surface and pour the prepared sugar syrup over it. Make sure the Kunafa is completely soaked in the syrup.
Decorate the kunafa with chopped or powdered pistachios. Serve it hot or chilled. Pour sugar syrup while serving.
