Armenian Cooking with Shake Balekjian - Kunefe

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is dairy-free and healthier.

cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

pistachios

🥗Healthier: walnuts

💰Cheaper: almonds

Walnuts are less expensive and provide a similar texture.

sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: honey

Stevia is a low-calorie sweetener.

Take the frozen shredded phyllo dough out of the package and let it thaw.

Cut the phyllo dough into smaller pieces by hand.

Mix 1 cup of butter and 1 cup of margarine together and pour it over the phyllo dough, mixing to ensure all pieces are coated.

Spread half of the buttered phyllo dough into the bottom of a pan.

Sprinkle some ground cinnamon over the phyllo layer.

Spread 1 pound of part-skim ricotta cheese evenly over the phyllo layer.

Top with the remaining buttered phyllo dough, pressing down lightly.

Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown.

In a saucepan, combine 2 and 1/2 cups sugar, 1 and 1/4 cups water, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, bringing to a boil to make the syrup.

Once the kunefe is baked, pour the lukewarm syrup over it and let it cool slightly before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens