Making Mama’s Special Kunafeh Recipe (كنافة) – A Sweet Family Tradition!

shredded phyllo dough

🥗Healthier: whole wheat phyllo

💰Cheaper: regular pastry dough

Whole wheat adds fiber, while regular dough is more affordable.

ricotta cheese

🥗Healthier: cottage cheese

💰Cheaper: cream cheese

Cottage cheese lowers fat content, while cream cheese is often less expensive.

pistachios

🥗Healthier: almonds

💰Cheaper: sunflower seeds

Almonds provide similar crunch with fewer allergens, while sunflower seeds are budget-friendly.

condensed milk

🥗Healthier: evaporated milk

💰Cheaper: milk + sugar

Evaporated milk is lower in sugar, and the homemade option is cost-effective.

Start by preparing the simple syrup: combine equal parts water and sugar in a pot.

Bring the mixture to a low simmer and squeeze in fresh lemon juice, stirring continuously.

Once the simple syrup has reduced and thickened, turn off the heat and add vanillin, mixing it in.

Set the simple syrup aside to cool to room temperature.

Tear the kunafa dough into smaller pieces and add it to a large bowl.

Melt semna and pour it over the kunafa, adding sugar and massaging it all in.

Use half of the kunafa mixture for the bottom layer in a baking dish, pressing it down to ensure an even layer.

Spread the mixed nuts (crushed walnuts, golden raisins, and a pinch of cinnamon) over the bottom layer of kunafa.

Top with the remaining half of the kunafa, pressing it down to ensure an even layer.

Bake in the oven until golden brown (exact time not specified in the transcript).

Once baked, pour the simple syrup over the kunafa and cover it with foil to allow it to cool to room temperature before cutting.

When serving kunafa, make sure to serve it with a cup of tea.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens