Ingredients for Kunefe
- 400 g kataifi pastry
- 250 g butter at room temperature, plus a bit more for frying
- 350 g shredded mozzarella or cream cheese
- Crushed pistachios for garnish
For the Syrup
- 400 g water
- 350 g sugar
- 1 vanilla pod or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions for the Syrup
In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the water, sugar, vanilla, and lemon juice. Stir occasionally. Allow the mixture to boil for 5–10 minutes until the sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and let the syrup cool completely.
Instructions for the Kunefe
- Untangle the kataifi pastry thoroughly and chop it into small pieces. Place it in a bowl.
- In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, pour it into the bowl with the kataifi and mix well to ensure it’s fully coated.
- Grease the same pan with a bit of butter. Spread half of the kataifi mixture evenly across the bottom of the pan.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the kataifi layer. Cover the cheese with the remaining kataifi, pressing gently with your hand to ensure the cheese is fully enclosed.
- Place the pan over medium-low heat and cook for 4–5 minutes until the bottom layer turns a golden hue.
- Carefully flip the kunefe onto a plate, then slide it back into the pan to cook the other side for another 4–5 minutes until golden.
- Remove the pan from heat, pour the cooled syrup over the hot kunefe, and garnish with crushed pistachios.
A Sweet Note:
This Kunefe is a crispy, buttery nest of kataifi pastry enveloping rich, melted cheese, all bathed in fragrant syrup. Topped with pistachios, each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. Indulge in this Middle Eastern-inspired treat and let its warm, sweet charm captivate your senses!
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