Delicious Homemade Knafeh: A Classic Middle Eastern Dessert

Ingredients

200 grams of shredded phyllo dough (knafeh dough)
200 grams of unsalted butter, melted
200 grams of mozzarella cheese, shredded
200 grams of ricotta cheese
1 cup of granulated sugar
1/2 cup of water
1 tablespoon of lemon juice
1 tablespoon of rose water
1 tablespoon of orange blossom water
1/4 cup of pistachios, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon of red food coloring (optional)

Steps and instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a large bowl, mix the shredded phyllo dough with the melted butter until the dough is fully coated. If you're using the optional food coloring, add it now and mix until the color is evenly distributed.
Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch round baking pan.
In another bowl, mix together the mozzarella and ricotta cheeses. Spread this cheese mixture over the dough in the pan.
Cover the cheese layer with the remaining dough, pressing down gently.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, or until the knafeh is golden brown and crispy.
While the knafeh is baking, make the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the syrup is thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the rose water and orange blossom water.
When the knafeh is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over it, making sure to cover all areas. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the syrup to soak in.
Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the top of the knafeh.
Serve the knafeh warm, cut into slices.

Tools for making

Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for mixing the shredded phyllo dough and melted butter.
9-inch Round Baking Pan - A baking pan of appropriate size to layer and bake the knafeh.
Saucepan - A small saucepan for making the syrup.
Spatula - A kitchen tool for spreading and smoothing the dough and cheese layers.
Oven - A kitchen appliance for preheating and baking the knafeh.
Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the knafeh into serving portions.

Recipe variations

Using kataifi dough instead of shredded phyllo dough for a different texture.
Substituting ghee or vegetable oil for the melted butter.
Adding a layer of sweetened cream or custard between the cheese and dough layers.
Replacing the mozzarella cheese with akkawi or nabulsi cheese for a more traditional taste.
Incorporating different flavored syrups such as orange or cardamom syrup.
Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the cheese mixture for added flavor.
Adding a layer of sliced bananas or other fruits for a fruity twist.
Making a savory version by using a mixture of feta cheese and spinach as the filling.
Experimenting with different nuts like almonds or walnuts instead of pistachios.
Creating individual servings by using muffin tins or ramekins instead of a large baking pan.

Recipe overview

Knafeh is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert that's brimming with texture and flavor. It's made with a unique shredded phyllo dough, which creates a crispy crust, and it's filled with a sweet cheese filling. The entire dish is soaked in a fragrant syrup that's flavored with rose water and orange blossom water, and it's topped off with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios. It's a wonderful balance of sweet and savory, crispy and creamy. This recipe will guide you through the steps of making knafeh at home. Expect to spend about an hour preparing and baking, and be prepared to enjoy a dessert that's truly unique and delicious. This version of the recipe uses a blend of mozzarella and ricotta for the filling, but feel free to experiment with other types of cheese as well. Enjoy the process and the delightful end result!

Common questions

Can I use different types of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese. However, mozzarella and ricotta cheese are commonly used in traditional knafeh recipes.
Can I substitute the phyllo dough? Ideally, it is best to use shredded phyllo dough (knafeh dough) for an authentic texture and taste. Substituting it may affect the overall result of the knafeh.
Can I skip the food coloring? Yes, the food coloring is optional and can be skipped if desired. It is mainly used for aesthetic purposes.
Can I use a different size or shape of the baking pan? While a 9-inch round baking pan is commonly used, you can use a different size or shape of the pan. Just keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the thickness of the knafeh.
How long does it take for the knafeh to bake? The knafeh typically takes about 45 minutes to bake until it is golden brown and crispy.
Can I make the syrup in advance? Yes, you can make the syrup in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just make sure to reheat it before pouring it over the freshly baked knafeh.
Can I garnish the knafeh with something other than pistachios? Yes, if you prefer, you can garnish the knafeh with other nuts like almonds or walnuts, or even with some dried rose petals for an added touch.
Can I serve the knafeh cold? While knafeh is traditionally served warm, you can also enjoy it cold. Just keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different when chilled.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking Pan - A 9-inch round baking pan to bake the knafeh.
Large Bowl - A large bowl to mix the shredded phyllo dough with the melted butter.
Small Saucepan - A small saucepan to make the syrup for the knafeh.
Spatula - A spatula to help spread and press down the dough and cheese layers.
Knife - A knife to cut the knafeh into slices before serving.
Measuring Cups - Measuring cups to accurately measure the ingredients.

Origin stories

The sweet treat Knafeh, also known as kunafa, is believed to have originated during the Umayyad Caliphate in the 7th century in the Levant region, present-day Syria, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine. What makes Knafeh interesting is its links to the start of each day during the holy month of Ramadan. A long-standing tradition has it that a man known as the 'Musaharati' roams the streets before dawn, beating a small drum to wake people up to have their pre-dawn meal known as 'Suhoor'. The Musaharati also serves knafeh, which is a favorite dish during this meal, symbolizing a sweet start to fasting. It's fascinating how a dessert has such a significant presence in cultural and religious practices!

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.