Sweet Kataifi Rolls

walnuts

🥗Healthier: almonds

💰Cheaper: pecans

Almonds provide a similar crunch with less fat.

butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil is dairy-free and adds a unique flavor.

honey

🥗Healthier: agave syrup

💰Cheaper: corn syrup

Agave syrup is a lower glycemic alternative.

sugar

🥗Healthier: stevia

💰Cheaper: brown sugar

Stevia offers sweetness without calories.

In a pot, add 1 cup of granulated sugar and 2 1/2 cups of water.

Add 1/4 cup of orange juice or lemon juice and cook over medium heat until boiling and sugar melts.

Turn off heat and stir in 2 cups of honey and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract, then set aside to cool completely.

Pulse 1 heaping cup of walnuts in a food processor until finely chopped.

In a bowl, combine the chopped walnuts with 1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 heaping teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves.

Add about 1/4 cup of orange juice or lemon juice to the mixture and mix well.

Melt between 1/2 to 3/4 pound of butter and set aside.

Take 1 pound of kataifi pastry out of its packaging and let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours.

Separate the kataifi strands well for easy rolling.

Take a bunch of kataifi pastry, brush or drizzle with melted butter, and place a tablespoon of the nut mixture at the bottom.

Roll up the pastry tightly, tucking in the sides if possible.

Place the rolls seam-side down in a 9 by 13 inch baking pan, fitting them snugly.

Brush or pour melted butter over each roll, ensuring they absorb the butter.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 45 minutes until golden and crisp.

Once out of the oven, pour the cooled syrup over the rolls and let them absorb the syrup for about 35 minutes before serving.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens