Kadaifi: Greek Pastry With Nuts and Syrup 🇬🇷🥮
Introduction:
Kadaifi, a hidden gem of Greek desserts, stands tall alongside its more famous cousin, baklava. Delightfully crunchy and dripping with syrupy goodness, this shredded wheat treat is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth. Packed with pistachios, cinnamon, and a citrusy twist, each bite transports you to the sunny shores of Greece. Perfect for a cozy family dessert or a grand gathering, let’s dive into the recipe for this delectable delight!
Cooking Time Breakdown 🕒:
Preparation | Cook | Total |
---|---|---|
30 minutes | 40 minutes | 1 hour 10 minutes |
Ingredients:
- 1 cup crushed pistachios 🌰
- 2 cups sugar 🍬
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon 🌿
- 1/3 cup melted butter 🧈
- 1 1/2 cups sugar for syrup 🍯
- 1 cup water 💧
- 1 fresh lemon for juice 🍋
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Pastry:
- Start by opening up your kadaifi pastry, gently spreading it out on a baking sheet.
- Allow it to air dry for about 15 minutes, letting the strands loosen up.
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Create the Nut Filling:
- In a small bowl, mix together the crushed pistachios, 1/3 cup of sugar, ground cinnamon, and a splash of orange juice. This blend of flavors will be the heart of your kadaifi!
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Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to a toasty 340°F (170°C).
- Lightly butter a baking pan, ensuring that your pastry won’t stick.
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Assemble the Rolls:
- Now, it’s time to get hands-on with your kadaifi pastry. Separate the strands into 18-20 rectangles, each about 10 to 12 inches long. Don’t worry about perfection here—rustic is the way to go!
- Place a generous tablespoon of the nut filling at the narrow end of each rectangle.
- Roll them up tightly, creating little bundles of joy.
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Arrange and Bake:
- Take your baking pan (round ones work best, but square will do just fine) and start arranging your kadaifi rolls. They should be snugly nestled together, forming a beautiful pastry mosaic.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the rolls, letting that golden goodness soak in.
- Pop the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, until your kadaifi turns a glorious golden hue.
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Create the Syrup:
- While your kadaifi bakes, it’s time to whip up the syrup. In a saucepan, combine 1 1/2 cups of sugar, water, and the juice of a fresh lemon.
- Let it simmer over low heat, giving the occasional swirl, until the sugar completely dissolves. This will take about 15 minutes.
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Pour and Soak:
- Once your kadaifi is out of the oven and looking irresistible, it’s time for the grand finale.
- Carefully pour the hot syrup over the warm pastry, letting it seep into every nook and cranny.
- Allow your kadaifi to cool in its sweet syrupy bath, soaking up all that goodness.
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Serve and Enjoy!
- Your kadaifi is now ready to be devoured! 🎉
- This delightful Greek pastry can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
- Whether you’re treating your family to a cozy dessert or impressing guests at a gathering, kadaifi is sure to steal the show.
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Storage Tips:
- If you somehow manage to have leftovers (trust us, it’s rare), simply cover your kadaifi and store it at room temperature.
- It will stay deliciously fresh for at least a week, ready to be enjoyed whenever the craving strikes!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 264.5
- Total Fat: 18.4g
- Saturated Fat: 7.1g
- Cholesterol: 27.1mg
- Sodium: 125mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 24.2g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugar: 21.7g
- Protein: 3.5g
Serving Suggestions:
- For an extra indulgence, serve your kadaifi warm with a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Pair it with a piping hot cup of strong Greek coffee for a truly authentic experience.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios or a dusting of cinnamon for an elegant touch.
Conclusion:
There you have it—a tantalizing recipe for kadaifi, the unsung hero of Greek pastries! With its crispy layers, nutty filling, and heavenly syrup, this dessert is bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a sweet moment, kadaifi delivers a taste of Greece right to your table. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let the baking magic begin! 🇬🇷✨