If you are someone who loves to eat sweet treats, then you must have heard about Kunafa, the in famous middle-eastern dessert. In this article, we will be sharing with you an easy yet quick Kunafa recipe that you can try at home. Additionally, do not forget to taste the famous kunafa chocolate and enhance your taste buds. Keep reading the article till the end to know a quick cheat meal recipe.
What is Kunafa?
Before we give you the detailed Kunafa recipe, let me give you a quick understanding of the Kunafa and what it is. The Kunafa is a popular middle-eastern dessert that is made up of phyllo dough, or you can also use the fine semolina dough, which will be buttered and baked with a creamy cheese or a custard filling.
The dessert is essentially soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup and is essentially topped with the pistachios. In recent times, you must have heard about the Dubai chocolate, which has become quite viral and is also one of the most loved desserts across the globe to have their own cultural significance associated with Kunafa.
The Many Names of Kunafa
While the dessert has definitely been one of the most popular ones across the globe, it is known by many names, which include ‘kanafeh’, ‘knafeh’, and ‘kunefe’. Despite these differences, each term refers to the same delectable treat made with thin noodle-like pastry soaked in sweet syrup and layered with cheese or cream. Well, it doesn’t matter whether you are using any of the Arabic names of Kunafa; you are bound to get the delightful indulgence that would capture the heart of anyone.
If you are wondering how to make kunafa at home, then hop onto the next section to decode the answer further and make a scrumptious Kunafa at home.
How to Make Kunafa?
Making Kunafa at home is an extremely simple yet fulfilling process. If you are a lover of dessert, then this is the one that will captivate your heart. Take a look at the ingredient list that you would need to make Kunafa at home:
- 200g – 250g Unsalted butter
- 300g – 500g Mozzarella cheese
- 500g Kunafa/Kataifi dough
- Chopped Pistacchios for garnishing
- For the sugar syrup:
- 1 tsp Lemon juice
- 1 cup water
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1-2tsp rose water
The Kunafa Recipe
Once you have all the ingredients in place, here’s how you can make kunafa at home in simple steps:
Note: If you are also preparing the Dubai kunafa chocolate, then some of the additional steps might be added, but the base one remains the same as this.
Preparing the Sugar Syrup
The first and foremost step that you need to follow is to prepare the sugar syrup. To make the sugar syrup, you can start by combining sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. The next thing that you need to do is to bring it to a boil. Then, make sure to simmer it for 5-7 minutes, until the mixture has slightly thickened.
Once done, then you need to remove the heat and stir it in the rose water and let it sit alone to make the syrup come to room temperature.
Preparing the Dough
The next step that needs to be done is to prepare the dough. Make sure to thaw the kataifi dough if frozen. Cut or shred the dough into very small pieces using scissors or a food processor.
Mixing it with Butter
Once done, the next step that you need to do is to pour the melted ghee or butter, and then, you need to add colour to the dough if you are adding. Once done, you can use your hands to thoroughly rub the butter into the dough until every strand is coated.
Assembling the Pan
Once done, you need to grease a 10-12-inch pan generously with a good amount of ghee. Once done, you need to spread half of the dough in the bottom of the pan, and then, you need to press it down in a firm manner to form a compact base.
Adding the Filling
Once done, make sure to add the filling. To do it, you need to spread the mozzarella cheese evenly over the base, and then, you need to leave a small border around the edge to prevent the cheese from burning.
Top Layer
Once done, you need to cover it with the remaining dough, and then, you need to press it down gently to seal.
Baking
Then, finally, you need to proceed towards baking. Make sure to set the oven to 180 degree celcius and then bake the mixture for 30-45 minutes, until the top becomes golden brown, and the edges shrink from the sides.
Make sure to cook on low heat, and also you can rotate it constantly for 10-15 minutes until the bottom becomes golden brown. Then, you need to flip it onto a plate, and then, you can cook the other side as well.
Adding the Syrup and Serving
Once the hot kunafa is removed from the oven, the next thing that needs to be done is to pour the cold syrup over it evenly. Once it starts to sizzle, that means it has started to work. Once done, you can garnish with the pistachios and let it rest for at least 5 minutes to keep it warm.
Expert Notes and Tips
Once you have made the Kunafa, it will be quite easier for you to make the Kunafa chocolate as well. Here are some of the expert tips and notes that you can follow:
Making Sure that the Syrup is Cold
The first and foremost expert tip to follow is to understand that the syrup needs to be cold, while the kunafa needs to be hot. Make sure not to pour a hot syrup on the hot kunafa, as it will make the dish very soggy.
Not to Skimp on Ghee
The next expert tip to keep in mind is not to skimp on ghee, as it is quite crucial for the crispy texture and the golden colour.
Substituting for Cheese
In case you cannot find the traditional Akkawai or the authentic cheese that would be used in the kunafa, you can try out a mixture of shredded mozzarella cheese and also the ricotta cheese, as it will work quite perfectly.
Making Ahead
Once done, you can prepare for the assembling part. You can keep the unbaked kunafa in the fridge and keep it for a day before going ahead with the baking process.
Interesting Facts about Kunafa
While the recipe of Kunafa is quite popular, there are also quite a few interesting facts about this dessert that you cannot miss. Here are some of the interesting facts:
Variations in Different Regions
The Palestinian Kunafa is usually the one which is salty in taste, and this is because it uses a salty cheese. However, if you go towards eating the Lebanese Kunafa, you will find that their variations have more cream, and also the Egyptian variation sometimes uses nuts in their Kunafa.
The Cheese Pull
The next thing that you can check is the cheese pull, as it is the hallmark of a high-quality and freshly baked kunafa. A freshly baked Kunafa is quite dramatic, but its stretchy, molten cheese filling will be revealed when it gets sliced.
Tradition
Another thing that is associated with Kunafa is the tradition, and this dish is commonly eaten during the festival of Ramadan to replenish energy after having the breakfast.
Modern Twist
The next interesting thing that you can associate with Kunafa is the recent modern twist, which includes the Kunafa chocolate. The Kunafa Chocolate gives the dessert a complete modern twist as it enhances the taste and also gives it a new fusion twist.
Storage
Another interesting fact about Kunafa is that it can stay fresh for 24 hours at room temperature, and it can also stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Additionally, it can also stay frozen for 2-3 months.
Why Kunafa Chocolate has Become so Popular?
One of the most recent viral trends that has taken over the internet is the Kunafa chocolate that was from Dubai. Filled with a delectable kunafa filling, and the outer layer is a scrumptious chocolate is definitely a treat for all the sweet lovers. With the Kunafa chocolate, the sweet lovers can truly enjoy the best of both worlds with the chocolate and kunafa.
Conclusion
The Kunafa chocolate is definitely one of the top trends that dessert lovers can enjoy in today’s time. However, not only is the sweet easy to make at home, but it is also one of the easiest recipes that one can try, even as a quick dessert. That’s all, folks. I hope the article will help you to get all the information you need to know about the viral Kunafa recipe at home.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is Kunafa Made of?
Kunafa is made of Phyllo dough.
Is Kunafa Easy to Prepare at Home?
Yes, preparing Kunafa at home is extremely easy and quick.
Is Cream Used in Kunafa?
Yes, cream is used in Kunafa.
Can I Keep Kunafa for 24 Hours?
Yes, Kunafa can stay fresh for 24 hours.
Can I Bake Kunafa to Enhance the Taste?
Yes, Kunafa can be baked to enhance the taste.
