Authentic Cheese Kunafa is a beloved dessert in Middle Eastern cuisine, known for its rich, cheesy filling and crispy, golden exterior. This dessert is drenched in sweet syrup and offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Popular in countries like Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan, it has now become a global sensation.

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Authentic Cheese Kunafa This dessert is drenched in sweet syrup and offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Popular in countries like Lebanon, Palestine, and Jordan, it has now become a global sensation.

Ingredients Overview

To make an authentic Cheese Kunafa, you need a few key ingredients: kataifi (shredded phyllo dough), unsalted butter, a variety of cheeses like Nabulsi or Akkawi, a simple sugar syrup flavored with rose or orange blossom water, and crushed pistachios for garnish. The choice of cheese is essential, as it gives the dessert its characteristic stretchy, creamy texture.

Preparing the Kataifi Dough

The dough, which forms the crispy exterior of the Kunafa, is made from finely shredded phyllo. It’s important to keep the dough well-moistened with melted butter to ensure it turns golden and crisp when baked. This dough is spread in a thin layer at the bottom of the pan and also layered on top of the cheese filling.

Choosing and Preparing the Cheese

The heart of Kunafa lies in its cheese. Traditionally, mild, slightly salty cheeses like Akkawi or Nabulsi are used, as their flavor complements the sweetness of the syrup. These cheeses are soaked in water to reduce the saltiness and then spread evenly over the dough base. Some modern recipes blend mozzarella with the traditional cheese to achieve a perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Assembling the Kunafa

Once the dough and cheese are ready, the Kunafa is assembled by pressing a layer of buttered kataifi dough into the base of a greased pan. The cheese filling is then spread over the dough, and another layer of kataifi dough is pressed on top. It’s important to press the layers firmly to ensure a unified texture after baking.

Baking the Kunafa

The assembled Kunafa is baked until golden and crispy. This is typically done in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown. The heat helps the cheese melt and stretch while the dough crisps up to create a delightful contrast in textures.

Preparing the Sugar Syrup

While the Kunafa is baking, a sugar syrup is prepared by boiling sugar and water until slightly thickened, often flavored with rose water or orange blossom water. Once the Kunafa comes out of the oven, the syrup is generously poured over the hot dessert, ensuring it soaks into the layers for the perfect sweet balance.

Serving and Garnishing

Kunafa is best served hot, when the cheese is still gooey and stretchy. It’s traditionally garnished with a generous sprinkling of crushed pistachios for added flavor and color. Some variations may also include clotted cream or a dollop of fresh cream on top for extra indulgence.

Conclusion

Cheese Kunafa is a timeless dessert that beautifully balances the contrasting textures of crispy kataifi dough and soft, gooey cheese, all brought together by a fragrant, sweet syrup. This rich, indulgent treat is not only a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine but also a symbol of celebration and comfort.