Print

Crispy Middle Eastern Kunafa Recipe with Pistachios and Orange Blossom Syrup

crispy kunafa recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A crispy yet soft Middle Eastern dessert featuring shredded phyllo dough, a gooey cheese filling, and a fragrant orange blossom syrup, garnished with toasted pistachios.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 500 grams (about 1 lb) Kunafa Dough (Shredded Phyllo), thawed if frozen
  • 100 grams (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
  • 250 grams (9 oz) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 100 grams (3.5 oz) ricotta cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (for cheese filling)
  • 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar (for syrup)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) water (for syrup)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for syrup)
  • 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (for syrup)
  • 1/2 cup (about 60 grams) chopped pistachios, lightly toasted (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Orange Blossom Syrup: Combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in orange blossom water. Set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, mix shredded mozzarella, ricotta, and sugar until combined.
  3. Prepare the Kunafa Dough: Gently separate the shredded phyllo strands with your fingers or pulse briefly in a food processor if clumped. Place in a large bowl and drizzle melted butter over it. Toss gently until all strands are coated evenly.
  4. Assemble the Kunafa: Butter a 9-inch round baking pan thoroughly. Spread half of the buttered kunafa dough evenly into the pan, pressing lightly to form a compact layer. Spread the cheese filling evenly over this layer. Cover with the remaining kunafa dough, pressing gently.
  5. Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the pan in the center rack and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crisp.
  6. Add the Syrup and Garnish: Remove the kunafa from oven and immediately pour the cooled orange blossom syrup evenly over the hot kunafa. Let it absorb for 5-10 minutes. Sprinkle the toasted pistachios on top.
  7. Serve Warm: Cut into squares or wedges and enjoy.

Notes

Pour the syrup while the kunafa is hot to achieve the perfect sticky yet crispy texture. Avoid letting the kunafa sit too long after adding syrup to prevent sogginess. Use low-moisture mozzarella for best melt and stretch. Melted unsalted butter is preferred over oil for a richer, golden crust. Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet or toaster oven to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: kunafa, Middle Eastern dessert, crispy kunafa, pistachios, orange blossom syrup, shredded phyllo, cheese dessert

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/crispy-middle-eastern-kunafa-recipe-with-pistachios-and-orange-blossom-syrup-easy-step-by-step/