Halal Kunafa
A Middle Eastern dessert with cheese and a sweet syrup.
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 350kcal
Ingredients
For the Pastry:
- 300 grams of shredded kataifi pastry (available in Middle Eastern stores or online)
- 100 grams of halal unsalted butter, melted
For the Filling:
- 250 grams of halal mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 150 grams of sweet cheese or cream cheese (halal-certified)
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of rose water or orange blossom water
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
Instructions
Prepare the Pastry Base:
- If using frozen kataifi pastry, let it thaw completely. Use a food processor or scissors to cut the pastry into small pieces.
- Mix the shredded pastry with melted butter until evenly coated.
Layer the Pastry and Cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Spread half of the buttered kataifi pastry in the baking pan, pressing it down firmly to create an even base.
- Add the shredded cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.
- Cover with the remaining pastry, pressing gently to ensure an even layer.
Bake the Kunafa:
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Prepare the Syrup:
- While the kunafa bakes, combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add rose water or orange blossom water and lemon juice. Let the syrup simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
Assemble and Serve:
- Once the kunafa is baked, pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot dessert. Let it soak for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with crushed pistachios for a traditional touch.