Kanafeh

Name: Kanafeh
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 lb shredded kataifi pastry, chopped; 3/4 cup clarified butter, melted; 1 lb low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1.5 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup water; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1 tsp orange blossom water; 1/4 cup pistachios, crushed

Crispy shredded kataifi pastry layered with molten cheese and soaked in aromatic orange blossom syrup.

60 minMediumServes 8420 cal/serving

Middle EasternDessertOven and StovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyKosher-styleEgg-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-FreeCorn-FreeShellfish-FreeSesame-FreeLow-Sodium

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Ingredients

1 lb shredded kataifi pastry, chopped
3/4 cup clarified butter, melted
1 lb low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 cup ricotta cheese
1.5 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp lemon juice
1 tsp orange blossom water
1/4 cup pistachios, crushed

Instructions

1

Combine 1.5 cups granulated sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 tsp lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat and simmer for 8 minutes.
2

Remove from heat, stir in 1 tsp orange blossom water, and let the syrup cool completely.
3

Toss 1 lb chopped shredded kataifi pastry with 3/4 cup melted clarified butter in a bowl until strands are thoroughly coated.
4

Press half of the shredded kataifi pastry firmly into the bottom and sides of a greased baking pan.
5

Combine 1 lb shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese with 1 cup ricotta cheese and spread evenly over the base layer.
6

Cover with remaining shredded kataifi pastry and press edges down gently to seal.
7

Bake at 375F for 35 minutes until the crust becomes golden brown and crisp.
8

Pour cooled syrup immediately over the hot pastry and top with 1/4 cup crushed pistachios before serving.

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Questions

What is Kanafeh?

Crispy shredded kataifi pastry layered with molten cheese and soaked in aromatic orange blossom syrup. This reference files it under Middle Eastern dessert: made in the oven and on the stovetop, rated medium and about 60 minutes start to finish.

What oven temperature does Kanafeh need?

For Kanafeh, the oven is set to 375 F (about 190 C) in step 7. The longest stretch at that heat is 35 minutes, in step 7.

What can I use instead of ricotta in Kanafeh?

The entry for Kanafeh calls for 1 cup ricotta cheese. In its place: Small-curd cottage cheese, drained and blended briefly, works in baked dishes. For dairy-free, blend firm tofu with lemon juice and salt.

Can I make Kanafeh dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (3/4 cup clarified butter, melted, 1 lb low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded, 1 cup ricotta cheese) is the backbone of the dish, and plant-based substitutes change both its texture and its flavor. If you need strictly dairy-free, start from the dairy-free dessert collection instead.

Is Kanafeh vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 3/4 cup clarified butter, melted, 1 lb low-moisture mozzarella cheese, shredded and 1 cup ricotta cheese. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

Serve it with

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