Konafa

Name: Konafa
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Egyptian
Ingredients: 12 oz shredded phyllo pastry (kataifi); 12 oz white cheese (ricotta or mozzarella); 6 tbsp melted butter; 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for syrup); 1/2 cup water; 2 tsp fresh lemon juice; 1/2 tsp vanilla extract; 4 tbsp chopped roasted pistachios, chopped

Shredded phyllo pastry filled with melted white cheese and soaked in aromatic sugar syrup, a crispy and sweet dessert.

45 minMediumServes 8280 cal/serving

EgyptianDessertOvenVegetarian

Ingredients

12 oz shredded phyllo pastry (kataifi)
12 oz white cheese (ricotta or mozzarella)
6 tbsp melted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
1/2 cup water
2 tsp fresh lemon juice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 tbsp chopped roasted pistachios, chopped

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter a 9x13 inch baking dish.
2

In a bowl, crumble or shred 12 oz white cheese (ricotta or mozzarella) into small pieces. This makes it easier to distribute.
3

Layer half of 12 oz shredded phyllo pastry (kataifi) in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
4

Spread the cheese evenly over the phyllo.
5

Layer the remaining shredded phyllo over the cheese.
6

Drizzle 6 tbsp melted butter evenly over the top phyllo.
7

Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8

While the konafa bakes, prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for syrup), and 2 tsp fresh lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
9

Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Let the syrup cool completely.
10

As soon as the hot konafa comes out of the oven, pour the cool syrup evenly over it.
11

Sprinkle 4 tbsp chopped chopped roasted pistachios over the top.
12

Let cool completely before serving. The pastry will continue to absorb the syrup.

Questions

Can I make Konafa dairy-free?

Not cleanly. Here the dairy (12 oz white cheese (ricotta or mozzarella), 6 tbsp melted butter) 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.

Can I make Konafa gluten-free?

Not cleanly. 12 oz shredded phyllo pastry (kataifi) has no substitute that behaves the same way in this dish. If you need strictly gluten-free, start from the gluten-free dessert collection instead.

How long does Konafa keep?

Store it airtight: two to three days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated. It freezes for up to two months; thaw at room temperature.

Can I halve or double Konafa?

Yes. As written it serves 8. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. Doubled, split it across two pans and rotate them halfway; one crowded pan bakes unevenly.

Serve it with

Cinnamon Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso drink
Classic Margarita drink

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