As a food enthusiast and someone who finds immense joy in sharing culinary experiences, I recently decided to delve into the world of Middle Eastern desserts. One recipe that particularly caught my attention was Kunafa with Cheese. This dessert, known for its delicate balance between crispy and creamy textures, has been a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine for centuries. When I introduced this dish to my family, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. The combination of the sweet syrup draped over the crispy pastry and the gooey cheese center was a revelation. It quickly became a family favorite, with requests for more even before the first batch was finished. The experience of watching my loved ones enjoy this dessert reinforced the universal appeal of Kunafa, a timeless classic that transcends cultural boundaries.

Ingredients

Creating an authentic Kunafa with Cheese requires a careful selection of ingredients, each contributing to its unique taste and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 500g of Kataifi dough (shredded phyllo pastry)
• 250g of unsalted butter, melted
• 400g of Akkawi cheese, desalted and shredded
• 200g of mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of rose water
• 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water
• Chopped pistachios for garnish

Instructions

Making Kunafa with Cheese involves several steps, but the result is well worth the effort. Follow these detailed instructions to create this exquisite dessert:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Begin by preparing the sugar syrup. Combine the sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the rose water and orange blossom water. Set aside to cool.
3. In a large bowl, loosen the Kataifi dough by gently pulling apart the strands. Pour the melted butter over the dough and mix well, ensuring all the strands are coated.
4. In another bowl, combine the Akkawi and mozzarella cheeses. Mix thoroughly.
5. Grease a round baking pan with some melted butter. Spread half of the Kataifi dough evenly in the bottom of the pan, pressing it down firmly.
6. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the dough layer. Cover with the remaining Kataifi dough, pressing it down gently.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven and immediately pour the cooled sugar syrup evenly over the hot Kunafa.
9. Let it cool slightly before garnishing with chopped pistachios. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

This recipe serves approximately 8 people, with each serving containing around 450 calories. While Kunafa with Cheese is undoubtedly a decadent treat, it’s perfect for special occasions or when you’re in the mood for a rich and satisfying dessert.

Preparation Time

The preparation time for Kunafa with Cheese is relatively moderate. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare the ingredients and assemble the dish, with an additional 35 minutes for baking. In total, you can expect to spend around 1 hour and 5 minutes from start to finish.

How to Serve

Kunafa with Cheese is a versatile dessert that can be served in various ways to enhance its presentation and enjoyment:

• Serve warm, directly from the baking pan, for a gooey and satisfying experience.
• Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for contrast between hot and cold.
• Top with a drizzle of extra syrup for those with a sweet tooth.
• Garnish with additional chopped pistachios or edible flowers for an elegant touch.
• Serve alongside a cup of Turkish coffee or mint tea to complement the flavors.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Kunafa with Cheese turns out perfectly, consider these additional tips:

• Desalting the Akkawi cheese: Soak the cheese in water for several hours to remove excess salt, changing the water a few times for the best result.
• Even butter distribution: Make sure the butter is evenly distributed over the Kataifi dough to achieve a consistent golden color and crispiness.
• Controlling sweetness: Adjust the amount of syrup to your taste preference. Start with half the syrup and add more as needed.
• Resting time: Allow the Kunafa to rest for a few minutes after adding the syrup to ensure it absorbs fully without becoming soggy.
• Experiment with flavors: Try adding a touch of cinnamon or cardamom to the cheese mixture for a unique twist.

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Kunafa with Cheese:

• Can I use different cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses such as ricotta or mascarpone, but Akkawi and mozzarella are traditional choices for their texture and flavor.
• Is it possible to make Kunafa ahead of time? You can prepare the Kunafa up to the baking step and refrigerate it. Bake and add syrup just before serving for the best texture.
• How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven before serving to regain crispiness.
• Can I freeze Kunafa? Yes, Kunafa can be frozen before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• What if I can’t find Kataifi dough? If Kataifi dough is unavailable, you can try using phyllo dough sheets, but the texture will be slightly different.

Kunafa with Cheese is more than just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures that brings people together. Whether you’re making it for a festive occasion or simply indulging in a sweet craving, this dish promises to deliver satisfaction with every bite. Give it a try, and you might find it becoming a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire, just as it has in my home.