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Knafeh: Middle Eastern Crispy Pastry with Cheesecake and Rose Syrup Recipe

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4.3 from 72 reviews

  • Author: Alice
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Knafeh is a classic Middle Eastern dessert featuring crispy shredded phyllo pastry layered with stretchy, gooey cheese, all soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with rose or orange blossom water. This warm, indulgent treat is garnished with crushed pistachios for a delightful crunch and aromatic finish.

Ingredients

Pastry and Cheese

  • 400 g kataifi (shredded phyllo dough)
  • 200 g mozzarella or akkawi cheese
  • 150 g butter, melted

Syrup

  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water

Garnish

  • Crushed pistachios, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) to ensure it’s at the correct temperature for baking the knafeh evenly and to achieve a golden crust.
  2. Prepare Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar and water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in rose water or orange blossom water. Set aside to cool.
  3. Prepare Kataifi Dough: Gently separate the kataifi strands with your fingers to loosen them, then mix thoroughly with the melted butter to ensure even coating, which will result in a crispy texture after baking.
  4. Layer the Knafeh: Press half of the buttered kataifi dough firmly into the base of a baking dish to form an even layer. Spread the mozzarella or akkawi cheese evenly over this base. Cover the cheese layer with the remaining kataifi, pressing it down gently but firmly.
  5. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the knafeh for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Add Syrup: Remove the knafeh from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot pastry and cheese to soak it thoroughly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle crushed pistachios over the syrup-soaked knafeh. Serve warm to enjoy the contrast between crispy crust and gooey cheese.

Notes

  • Use low-moisture cheese like mozzarella or akkawi for best texture and stretchiness.
  • Serve knafeh immediately after syrup application to maintain optimal crispiness.
  • Adjust the sweetness or floral notes in the syrup with more or less rose or orange blossom water according to taste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Find it online: https://myhomemadecooking.com/knafeh-middle-eastern-crispy-pastry-with-cheesecake-and-rose-syrup-recipe/