Vermicelli Kunafa Recipe with Paneer & Cream Filling
Description:
Indulge in a fusion of flavors with this vibrant and delicious Vermicelli Kunafa Recipe with Paneer & Cream Filling, a perfect twist on a traditional Arabic dessert. While classic Kunafa is made with Kataifi pastry and milk cream, this modern variation uses thin vermicelli, paneer (homemade cottage cheese), and a creamy filling that balances sweet, savory, and aromatic spices. What makes this dish truly special is the irresistible sugar syrup infused with rose water, which soaks into the golden, crispy vermicelli layers. Topped with roasted mixed nuts, this dessert is both visually stunning and wonderfully flavorful, making it the perfect treat for the festive season.
Cuisine: Fusion
Course: Dessert
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
For Layering:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Semiya (Vermicelli) | 100 grams (thin variety) |
| Butter (Salted) | 25 grams, melted, plus extra for roasting nuts |
| Mixed nuts (Almond, Pistachio, etc.) | 1/4 cup, for garnish |
For Filling:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 1-1/2 cups |
| Paneer (Homemade Cottage Cheese) | 50 grams |
| Corn flour | 1/4 tablespoon |
| Custard powder | 1/4 tablespoon |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Condensed Milk | 1-1/2 tablespoons |
| Sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Cardamom (Elaichi) Pods/Seeds | 2, ground |
| Almond Essence (Badam Essence) | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Kewra essence | 1/8 teaspoon |
For Syrup:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 1 cup |
| Sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| Honey | 3 tablespoons |
| Rose water | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
Preparation Time:
30 minutes
Cooking Time:
45 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Layering
- Begin by breaking the vermicelli into smaller pieces with your fingers. Place it in a large mixing bowl and drizzle melted butter over it. Keep some butter aside to roast the mixed nuts and to grease the baking tray.
- Grease a baking tray with the reserved butter. If you’re using a silicone mold, it makes the demolding process easier. You can also use individual silicone cups for portioned servings.
- Press the vermicelli mixture firmly into the greased tray to create a 1-inch thick layer at the bottom.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) while you prepare the filling and syrup.
Step 3: Make the Filling
- In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it comes to a gentle boil.
- In a separate bowl, crumble the paneer (cottage cheese) and add corn flour, custard powder, and all-purpose flour. Mix well until smooth.
- Gradually add the crumbled paneer mixture to the hot milk while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Stir until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add condensed milk, sugar, and ground cardamom to the mixture. Continue to cook and stir until the sugar dissolves completely, and the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thicker.
- Remove the pan from the heat and stir in almond essence and kewra essence. Set this creamy filling aside to cool slightly.
Step 4: Prepare the Syrup
- In a small saucepan, combine water, sugar, and honey. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Once the sugar syrup comes to a simmer, add rose water and lemon juice. Let the syrup simmer for about 5 minutes, and then remove from the heat. Set aside to cool.
Step 5: Assemble the Kunafa
- Pour the prepared filling over the vermicelli layer in the baking tray. Spread it evenly to cover the entire surface.
- Add another layer of vermicelli on top of the filling, pressing down gently to compact the layers.
Step 6: Bake the Kunafa
- Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and bake at 200°C for about 25-30 minutes or until the top layer of vermicelli turns golden brown and crispy.
- Once the Kunafa is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the rose-flavored sugar syrup over it. Let the syrup soak into the layers for a few minutes.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- While the Kunafa is cooling, roast the mixed nuts in a pan with a little butter until golden and fragrant. Sprinkle these roasted nuts over the top of the Kunafa for a crunchy finish.
- Slice the Kunafa into pieces and serve warm, garnished with more mixed nuts if desired.
Enjoy this delightful Vermicelli Kunafa with Paneer & Cream Filling, a festive dessert that combines traditional and modern flavors in every bite!
