Pastry

Knafeh - I

July 13, 2015
Recipes, Vegetarian
Dessert, Middle Eastern, Ramadan, Pastry, Cheese

Kunafa #

This recipe uses vermicelli as a substitute for kataifi and ricotta with mozzarella in place of the cheeses.

Ingredients #

  • Kataifi – 200 g
  • Butter (unsalted) or Ghee – 50 g
  • Ricotta cheese – 200 g
  • Mozzarella (shredded) – 100 g

For the syrup #

  • Sugar – 1½ cups
  • Water – 1 cup
  • Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
  • Cinnamon stick – 1

For Garnish (optional, adjust as desired) #

  • Almonds – 5 (blanched)
  • Dates – 5 (dried and chopped)
  • Golden raisins – 10
  • Cashews – 5
  • Walnuts – 5
  • Green pistachios – 5

Recipe #

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F / Gas mark 4.
  2. Grease and line an 8-inch sandwich tin with baking paper, coating sides and base lightly with butter or baking spread.
  3. Break vermicelli into small pieces and roast in butter. Add 2 tablespoons of water if needed to soften, but avoid mushiness.
  4. Spread half of the vermicelli evenly in the baking dish and press down lightly.
  5. Spread ricotta cheese evenly over the vermicelli.
  6. Layer shredded mozzarella evenly over ricotta.
  7. Cover with remaining vermicelli.
  8. Bake for 30–40 minutes until the top is lightly golden-brown.

Meanwhile, prepare the sugar syrup: #

  1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat water over medium heat.