Kunafa

Kunafa is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, filled with sweet cheese, and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup.

Kunafa

Ingredients

  • 1 package shredded phyllo dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon rose water
  • 1/4 cup chopped pistachios

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  2. Butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
  3. Layer half of the shredded phyllo dough in the bottom of the dish, brushing each layer with melted butter.
  4. Mix the mozzarella and ricotta cheese together and spread it over the phyllo dough.
  5. Top the cheese with the remaining phyllo dough, again brushing each layer with melted butter.
  6. Bake for 45 minutes or until the kunafa is golden brown.
  7. While the kunafa is baking, prepare the sugar syrup by boiling the sugar and water until it thickens slightly, then add the rose water.
  8. Once the kunafa is done, pour the sugar syrup over it and sprinkle with chopped pistachios.
  9. Let it cool for 10 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Cooking & Preparation

Preparation time:
30 minutes
Cooking time:
45 minutes
Total time:
1 hour
Cooking method
Oven

Nutritional facts per 1 serving

Calories
300 per serving
Carbohydrates
35g
Protein
8g
Fat
15g

Supplies

9x13 inch baking dish Brush for buttering

Tools

Oven Saucepan

Serving suggestions

Serve the kunafa warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips & tricks

For a variation, try adding a layer of sweetened cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon before baking.

Cost

$15