Delicious Homemade Kadaif: A Traditional Middle Eastern Dessert

Ingredients

  • 500g Kadaif Noodles
  • 200g Unsalted Butter
  • 200g Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 200g Walnuts
  • 200g Almonds
  • 1 Lemon, juiced
  • 200ml Water
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 500g Phyllo Dough

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.
  2. Melt the butter in a pan over medium heat.
  3. Chop the walnuts and almonds finely and mix them with half the sugar and the cinnamon.
  4. Unroll the Kadaif noodles, cut them into 10cm lengths, and mix them with the melted butter.
  5. Spread half of the buttered Kadaif noodles evenly in a baking dish.
  6. Spread the nut mixture over the noodles in the dish.
  7. Cover the nuts with the remaining Kadaif noodles.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
  9. While the Kadaif is baking, make the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the remaining sugar, lemon juice, water, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  10. Once the Kadaif is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the syrup over it while it's still hot.
  11. Allow the Kadaif to cool for at least 2 hours before cutting into squares and serving.

Tools for making

  • Baking Dish - A dish to bake the Kadaif in.
  • Pan - To melt the butter for the Kadaif noodles.
  • Saucepan - To make the syrup for the Kadaif.
  • Knife - To chop the walnuts and almonds.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of nuts, such as pistachios or hazelnuts, instead of walnuts and almonds.
  • Add a layer of sweetened cream or custard between the layers of Kadaif noodles and nuts.
  • Try substituting the Kadaif noodles with shredded phyllo dough for a different texture.
  • Experiment with different spices in the nut mixture, such as cardamom or nutmeg.
  • Add a drizzle of honey or chocolate sauce over the baked Kadaif for extra sweetness.
  • Include dried fruits, like raisins or chopped dates, in the nut mixture for added flavor.
  • For a savory variation, use crumbled feta cheese instead of nuts, and season with herbs like oregano or thyme.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free phyllo dough or substituting with rice or corn noodles.

Recipe overview

This Kadaif recipe is a delightful treat that hails from the Middle East, specifically popular in countries like Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon among others. It is a delicious dessert that has a unique texture and a sweet, nutty flavor. At the heart of this dessert are Kadaif noodles, which have a distinctive string-like appearance. In this recipe, the Kadaif noodles are layered with a delectable mixture of sugar, cinnamon, walnuts, and almonds, then baked to perfection. The dessert is finished with a lemon and vanilla infused syrup which is poured hot over the freshly baked Kadaif, giving it a wonderful moistness and enhanced sweetness. Expect a dessert that is both crunchy and soft, sweet and nutty, and utterly satisfying. It requires some preparation, but the result is well worth the effort, and it's sure to impress at any gathering.

Common questions

  1. Can I use different types of nuts for the filling? Yes, you can use different types of nuts or a combination of your choice for the filling. The recipe suggests walnuts and almonds, but you can experiment with other nuts like pistachios or cashews.
  2. Do I need to soak the Kadaif noodles before using them? No, you do not need to soak the Kadaif noodles. They should be used as they come, without any pre-soaking.
  3. Can I use a different type of sweet syrup instead of making my own? Yes, you can use a store-bought sweet syrup if you prefer. However, making your own syrup with lemon juice, sugar, water, and vanilla extract adds a fresh and flavorful touch to the dessert.
  4. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can make Kadaif in advance. Once baked and cooled, you can store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. However, it is best enjoyed fresh.
  5. Can I freeze Kadaif? While it is possible to freeze Kadaif, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It is recommended to enjoy Kadaif fresh for the best taste and texture.
  6. Can I use phyllo dough instead of Kadaif noodles? No, phyllo dough is not a suitable substitute for Kadaif noodles in this recipe. The unique texture and taste of Kadaif noodles contribute to the authenticity and deliciousness of the dessert.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking Dish - A dish large enough to hold the Kadaif noodles and nuts.
  • Pan - Used to melt the butter.
  • Saucepan - Used to make the syrup.
  • Knife - For chopping the walnuts and almonds.
  • Measuring Cups - To measure the sugar, water, and lemon juice.
  • Oven - To bake the Kadaif.

Origin stories

Kadaif, this wonderfully sweet, buttery pastry, has a history that's as rich and layered as the dessert itself. It originated in the kitchens of the Topkapı Palace, home of the Ottoman Sultans in Istanbul, during the 15th century. As the Ottoman Empire expanded, so did the popularity of Kadaif, and it soon found favor across the Middle East, the Balkans, and the Caucasus. What's interesting is that Kadaif is known by a myriad of names depending on the region - it's 'Kadayıf' in Turkey, 'Kadaif' in Greece, 'Knafeh' in the Levant... the list goes on. Despite the differences in name and slight variations in preparation, the heart of the dessert remains the same - shredded phyllo dough, sweet syrup, and a hearty filling of nuts. The testament to the unifying power of food, perhaps?

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.