Delicious Kunafa Recipe with Gooey Mozzarella Cheese Delight
This kunafa recipe features gooey mozzarella cheese layered with crispy kataifi dough, creating an irresistible dessert.
Equipment
- - Saucepan
- - Baking pan
- - Oven
Ingredients
For the Kunafa
- 1 pound Kataifi Dough Essential for that crunchy texture
- 16 ounces Mozzarella Cheese Use high-moisture mozzarella for best melting quality
- 1/2 cup Melted Butter Can be clarified for a nuttier flavor
- 1/2 cup Thick Cream Ricotta can be used as a substitute if unavailable
For the Syrup
- 1 cup Sugar Brown sugar can add a deep, complex flavor
- 1 cup Water The main component of your simple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice Essential for balancing sweetness
- 1 teaspoon Rose Water or Orange Blossom Water Optional flavoring for authenticity
For Garnishing
- 1/4 cup Crushed Pistachios Adds a lovely crunch and vibrant color
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare the Simple Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add rose water if desired, then cool your syrup before using it.
- Thaw and Prepare Kataifi Dough: Take the frozen kataifi dough and allow it to thaw. Once thawed, break it into small pieces and massage in melted butter until thoroughly coated.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: Shred your mozzarella cheese and mix it with thick cream in a bowl to create a luscious filling.
- Layer in Pan: Pack half of the kataifi dough into a greased baking pan. Layer the cheese mixture over the dough, then top with the remaining kataifi, pressing down lightly.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bake kunafa for 40-50 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Finish with Syrup: Once baked, drizzle the warm kunafa with cooled syrup and allow it to soak for about 10 minutes before inverting onto a serving platter and garnishing with crushed pistachios.
Notes
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat!