Hey Lykkers! Kunefe, also known as knafeh, is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert that features crispy pastry layered with gooey cheese, all drenched in fragrant sugar syrup.

Making kunefe at home is easier than it seems, and it's a perfect treat to impress your friends and family!

<h3>Ingredients</h3>

To prepare kunefe, gather the following ingredients:

<b>For the pastry:</b>

<b>For the filling:</b>

<b>For the syrup:</b>

A splash of rose or orange blossom water (for flavor)

<b>For garnish:</b>

Crushed pistachios or walnuts

Künefe | Turkish Cuisine

Video by Turkish Cuisine

<h3>Instructions</h3>

<b>Preparing the Syrup</b>

<b>Make the syrup:</b> In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Heat until the sugar dissolves. Incorporate lemon juice and allow it to simmer for approximately 10 minutes until it reaches a slightly thickened consistency. Remove from heat and add rose or orange blossom water. Set aside to cool.

<b>Preparing the Kunefe</b>

<b>Preheat the oven:</b>Set your oven to preheat at 180°C (350°F).

<b>Prepare the dough:</b> If your kadaif is frozen, thaw it completely. Place it in a large bowl and gently separate the strands with your fingers.

<b>Add melted butter:</b> Pour melted butter over the kadaif and mix well, ensuring the strands are fully coated.

<b>Assemble the kunefe:</b> Grease a round baking dish with butter. Take half of the buttered kadaif and spread it evenly in the bottom of the dish, pressing down gently to create a firm base.

<b>Add the cheese filling:</b> Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the first layer of dough. If desired, sprinkle a little sugar over the cheese to enhance sweetness.

<b>Top it off:</b> Layer the remaining kadaif over the cheese, applying gentle pressure to compress it.

<b>Baking</b>

<b>Bake the kunefe:</b> Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

<b>Serving</b>

<b>Add the syrup:</b> After removing it from the oven, promptly drizzle the cooled syrup over the hot kunefe, permitting it to absorb for several minutes.

<b>Garnish and enjoy:</b> Garnish with crushed pistachios or walnuts. Serve warm, ideally with a side of yogurt or ice cream.

Kunefe is not just a dessert; it embodies the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, reflecting the region's love for sweet, indulgent treats. This delightful dish combines the crunch of shredded pastry with the melt-in-your-mouth texture of cheese, all elevated by a fragrant syrup that adds a layer of sweetness. Making kunefe at home allows you to explore these traditions while customizing the flavors to suit your taste.