Delicious Arabic Sweet Kunafa Recipe (Knafeh)
Kunafa (also spelled Knafeh) is one of the most beloved and celebrated desserts of the Middle East. Revered as the “Queen of Arabic Desserts,” this indulgent treat is known for its crispy, golden crust, rich cheesy filling, and the perfect balance of sweet syrup. Often served at festive occasions and after traditional Mughlai or Middle Eastern meals, Kunafa is a royal dessert that can be made with various fillings such as cheese, cream, fruits, or even chocolate. With its irresistibly sweet, soft interior and crunchy exterior, this dessert is a true crowd-pleaser. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing this heavenly dessert at home!
Recipe Overview
- Cuisine: Arab
- Course: Dessert
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Preparation Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8-10 people
Ingredients
For Kunafa Dough (Crust)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Kunafa Dough (strands) | 250 grams |
| Butter (Salted), melted | 200 grams |
| Pistachios (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
For Filling
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1 cup |
| Corn flour | 2 teaspoons |
| Rose water | 1 teaspoon |
| Ricotta Cheese (grated) | 1/2 cup |
For Sugar Syrup
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 1 1/2 cups |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 teaspoon |
| Rose water | 1 teaspoon |
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This temperature will allow your Kunafa to bake perfectly, resulting in a crispy top and soft, melted cheese filling.
-
Prepare the Sugar Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Heat the mixture on low flame, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil and thickens to a sticky syrup consistency. The syrup should have a two-string consistency when tested between your fingers.
- Once the syrup reaches the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Add the lemon juice and rose water, stirring well to combine. Set aside to cool.
-
Prepare the Filling:
- In a separate saucepan, heat the milk over low heat. Gradually whisk in the corn flour, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture begins to thicken into a custard-like consistency.
- Once thickened, add the rose water to the milk mixture and stir well. Allow this milk custard to cool completely before using it for the filling.
-
Prepare the Kunafa Dough (Crust):
- Break the Kunafa dough (strands) into smaller pieces by hand. Place them in a large bowl.
- Melt the salted butter and pour it over the Kunafa strands. Mix well with your hands, making sure that each strand is well-coated with the melted butter. This will ensure the crispy texture once baked.
-
Assemble the Kunafa:
- Grease a baking pan with butter and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Divide the buttered Kunafa dough into two equal portions. Spread one portion evenly at the bottom of the baking pan, pressing down gently to form a compact layer.
- Pour the milk custard mixture over the Kunafa base, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the grated Ricotta cheese on top of the custard layer.
- Add the remaining Kunafa dough on top, pressing it down gently to form a second layer. Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the top for an extra touch of flavor and decoration.
-
Bake the Kunafa:
- Place the assembled Kunafa in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
-
Finish with Sugar Syrup:
- Once the Kunafa is done baking, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Pour half of the prepared sugar syrup evenly over the warm Kunafa. Allow it to soak in for a few minutes.
- To serve, run a knife along the edges of the Kunafa to loosen it from the pan. Place a large plate over the baking pan and carefully flip the pan to invert the Kunafa onto the plate.
- Pour the remaining sugar syrup over the flipped Kunafa and sprinkle with more chopped pistachios for added flavor and decoration.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Slice the Kunafa into generous portions and serve warm. This dessert is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, as the cheese filling will remain soft and gooey when hot.
- Kunafa may firm up once cooled, so always reheat before serving for that melty, gooey perfection.
Additional Tips:
- You can experiment with the filling by adding a combination of cheese and cream for a richer, more decadent filling.
- For a fruit-flavored twist, you can add a layer of chopped fruit (such as strawberries or oranges) between the cheese and custard layers for a refreshing contrast.
- If you prefer a sweeter syrup, increase the sugar quantity in the sugar syrup.
Conclusion:
This Arabic Sweet Kunafa recipe is the epitome of indulgence, blending the crispiness of the Kunafa dough with the rich, velvety texture of the cheese and creamy filling. With its delicate aroma from the rose water and the irresistible sweetness from the syrup, Kunafa makes for an unforgettable dessert experience. Whether served during a special occasion or simply as a treat for yourself, this royal dessert will always be a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy making this Middle Eastern delicacy at home, and savor every delicious bite!
