KUNAFA

Kanafeh (Kunafa)

Kanafeh (Kunafa) is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with vermicelli soaked in sweet syrup and typically layered with cheese and nuts. It is often called the Queen of Arabic Desserts.

Cream Cheese Filling

Ingredients

• 1½ cups milk
• 3 tbsp cornstarch
• 3 tbsp sugar
• 5 tbsp cream cheese

Instructions

1. Mix together the milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes translucent.
3. Turn off the heat and allow it to cool.
4. Add the cream cheese to the cooled mixture.
5. Your cream cheese filling is ready.

Sugar Syrup (Chashni)

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp rose water or a few drops of rose essence

Instructions

1. Heat the water and sugar until the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Add the lemon juice.
3. Cook over medium heat until the syrup reaches a slightly thick, one-string consistency.
4. Turn off the heat and allow the syrup to cool.
5. Add the rose water.
6. Your sugar syrup is ready.

Vermicelli Layer

Ingredients

• 1 packet roasted vermicelli (seviyan)
• ½ cup melted butter
• ¼ tsp saffron food color

Instructions

1. Place the roasted vermicelli in a bowl and crush it.
2. Add the saffron food color to the melted butter.
3. Mix the butter with the vermicelli using gloves, as the color may stain your hands.
4. Mix well and keep aside.

Putting It All Together

Ingredients

• Mozzarella cheese
• Chopped pistachios for garnish

Instructions

1. Take an ovenproof baking dish.
2. Spread half of the vermicelli evenly over the bottom.
3. Press it down firmly using a spatula or the back of a spoon.
4. Pour the prepared cream cheese filling over the vermicelli.
5. Spread it evenly.
6. Add a layer of grated mozzarella cheese.
7. Cover with the remaining vermicelli.
8. Smooth the top with a spatula.
9. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 20–25 minutes.
10. Remove from the oven.
11. Pour the prepared sugar syrup evenly over the hot Kunafa.
12. Garnish with chopped pistachios.
13. Serve warm.

Note

• This Kunafa can also be prepared on the stovetop.
• Use a greased heavy-bottom pan instead of an ovenproof dish.
• Layer all the ingredients in the pan.
• Cook over medium-low heat for 10–15 minutes.
• Carefully flip it over, cover, and cook the other side for another 12–15 minutes.
• Transfer to a serving plate.
• Pour the sugar syrup over the top.
• Garnish with chopped pistachios.
• Your delicious homemade Kanafeh is ready to enjoy.