Kunefe is a traditional Turkish dessert that has become increasingly popular recently. The dish is known for its unique flavor and texture, which is why it has become so popular in many cultures worldwide.

Brief History and Origin

Kunefe has its roots in the Ottoman Empire, where it is believed to have originated. The dish has been around since at least the 17th century when it was served as a sweet treat to royalty, though its popularity spread throughout the empire in the 19th century.

Kunefe – The Recipe

• Preparation Time: 25 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total time: 1 hr
• Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 box phyllo dough shredded,
• 400ml ricotta cheese
• 355ml unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup white sugar

For the Rosewater Syrup

• 200g white sugar
• 1 tsp. lemon juice
• 120ml water
• ⅛ tsp. rose water

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven and preheat it to 200 degrees C.
2. In a food processor, add phyllo dough and process until strands become the size of rice grain; transfer to a large bowl.
3. In another bowl, add ricotta cheese and sugar, and mix well.
4. In a large, microwave-safe bowl with a spout, add butter. Microwave until melted, then leave for several minutes to produce a thick white foam on top. Skim off the foam using a spoon to clarify the butter.
5. Strain the clarified butter into the phyllo dough bowl, and mix using your hands until the butter absorbs. Then transfer to a 9”x13” pan and press gently to make the surface even.
6. Spread the cheese and sugar mixture on top, and avoid the edges.
7. Place in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cheese turns lightly golden and the edges of the dough are bubbly and brown.
8. Meanwhile, prepare the syrup by adding water and sugar in a saucepan over medium-high heat and bringing it to a boil. Then reduce heat to medium and pour in lemon juice.
9. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continuously stir. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture becomes thick. Then remove from heat, add rose water and set aside.
10. When kunefe is ready, remove it from the oven and carefully flip it to a large platter. Pour syrup all over kunefe, slice into pieces and serve hot.

Popular variations

Here are a few ways you can change this basic recipe to adjust it to your liking:

• Ricotta Cheese Kunafa: This kunafa or Kunefe will likely become your new go-to; it is quick and easy to make. This recipe is delicious, with a sweet, tangy, creamy ricotta cheese filling, signature crunchy crust, and lightly scented sugar syrup.
• Kunefe Sandwich with Chocolate: This version of kunefe is simply delicious. We love how the Kunefe pastry is sandwiched between Nutella chocolate. It is sweet, nutty, and crunchy with a garnish of crushed pistachio and lemon blossom.
• Kunafa Chocolate Tart: The Kunafa or Kunefe-inspired Chocolate tart has a buttery, crunchy crust made of chocolate and Kunefe, mozzarella cheese filling and the topping of nuts. It is a unique twist on the original Kunefe. It is sweet, cheesy, and chocolaty.
• Strawberry & Pistachio Knafeh Cookies: This unique spin on the Kunefe has turned them into finger snacks, the biscuit. It is crunchy and has all the flavor of Kunefe. We love to have them for road trips and teatime.
• Kunafa Strawberry Trifle: This trifle is more like deconstructed Strawberry and Cheese Kunefe. We love the layers of cheese-filling custard with nuts, strawberries and filo pastry.