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

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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.

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Questions

What is Konafa?

Shredded phyllo pastry filled with melted white cheese and soaked in aromatic sugar syrup, a crispy and sweet dessert. This reference files it under Egyptian dessert: made in the oven, rated medium and about 45 minutes start to finish.

What temperature do I cook Konafa at?

For Konafa, the oven is set to 350 F (about 175 C) in step 1. The longest stretch at that heat is 25 minutes, in step 7.

What can I use instead of ricotta in Konafa?

The entry for Konafa calls for 12 oz white cheese (ricotta or mozzarella). 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 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.

Is Konafa vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 12 oz white cheese (ricotta or mozzarella) and 6 tbsp melted butter. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan dessert collection.

Does Konafa contain tree nuts?

Yes: 4 tbsp chopped roasted pistachios, chopped. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten, dairy and tree nuts. Where the nuts are a garnish or a texture, toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds stand in. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

Serve it with

Hot Chocolate drink
Classic Margarita drink

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