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Middle Eastern
Knafeh Syrup Dessert
60 min total25 prep35 cook10 servings380 cal
VegetarianClassicContains glutenContains dairyContains tree nut
Crisp knafeh with shredded kataifi pastry, melted cheese, and rose-scented syrup. A iconic Middle Eastern dessert served warm with pistachios.
Ingredients
bakery
- 400 gkataifi pastry
dairy
- 0.5 cupunsalted butter
- 300 gmozzarella cheese
pantry
- 1 cupgranulated sugar
- 0.75 cupwater
- 1 tbsplemon juice
- 1 tsprose water
- 0.25 cuppistachios
Steps
- Melt butter and toss with shredded kataifi until coated.
- Press half the kataifi into a greased pan.
- Layer sliced cheese evenly over kataifi.
- Cover with remaining kataifi and press firmly.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) 30–35 minutes until deep golden.
- Simmer sugar, water, lemon, and rose water into syrup; cool slightly.
- Invert knafeh onto a platter and pour syrup over.
- Garnish with chopped pistachios and serve warm.
Tips
- Work quickly with kataifi so it stays crisp before baking.
- Use a sweet cheese that melts without becoming rubbery.
- Pour syrup over hot knafeh for best absorption.
- Invert onto platter for dramatic presentation.
