Kunefe

Name: Kunefe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Turkish
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup water; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1/2 lb kadayif dough, chopped; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 lb unsalted sweet cheese, shredded

A classic dessert made of crispy shredded dough layered around warm melting cheese, finished with sweet sugar syrup.

40 minMediumServes 4450 cal/serving

TurkishDessertStovetopVegetarianHalal-friendlyEgg-FreeSoy-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNut-FreeLow-SodiumNightshade-FreeCorn-Free

Ingredients

1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 lb kadayif dough, chopped
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 lb unsalted sweet cheese, shredded

Instructions

1

In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup granulated sugar and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then stir in 1 tsp lemon juice and simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Set syrup aside to cool.
2

In a large bowl, toss 1/2 lb chopped kadayif dough with 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter until fully coated.
3

Press half of the dough mixture into a heavy skillet.
4

Spread 1/2 lb shredded unsalted sweet cheese evenly over top.
5

Top with remaining dough and press firmly.
6

Cook on medium-low heat for 8 minutes until golden.
7

Invert onto a plate, slide back in, and cook other side for 8 minutes.
8

Pour cooled syrup over hot pastry immediately.

Questions

Can I make Kunefe dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1/2 lb unsalted sweet cheese, shredded. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed; the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How long does Kunefe keep?

Keep it covered in the refrigerator and eat it within three days.

Can I halve or double Kunefe?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

Turkish Apple Tea drink
Sbiten drink
Kir Royale drink

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