One night, my wife and I were dining at a Middle Eastern restaurant in Portland when we witnessed a heated argument among the staff. Amidst the chaos, an old woman stepped out of the kitchen and presented us with a plate of warm, golden-brown ricotta kunafa rolls. The delicious combination of crispy pastry and creamy ricotta filling blew us away.
After finishing our meal, I approached the old woman and asked for the recipe. She initially refused, but after some convincing, she finally agreed to share her secret. I couldn’t wait to try making these rolls at home.
To make these delectable rolls, you will need a few simple ingredients. First, you’ll need shredded phyllo dough, which you can find at most Middle Eastern grocery stores. Next, you’ll need a creamy ricotta filling made with sugar, vanilla extract, and orange blossom water. Finally, you’ll need a sweet syrup made with sugar, lemon juice, and rose water to drizzle over the rolls before serving.
These kunafa rolls are perfect for a sweet and satisfying dessert or a savory breakfast treat. They pair well with a hot cup of Turkish coffee or a refreshing glass of mint tea. Try serving them alongside other Middle Eastern favorites. Here is a list of suggestions to serve alongside:
Fresh fruit salad: A refreshing and vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds a burst of freshness to balance the richness of the rolls.
Middle Eastern baklava: Indulge in the decadence of assorted baklava varieties. For instance: pistachio, walnut, or cashew, for a sweet and nutty contrast.
Mint tea: Sip on a cup of traditional Middle Eastern mint tea to cleanse the palate and enhance the overall dining experience.
Labneh with za’atar: Creamy labneh cheese drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with za’atar brings a tangy and herbaceous element to the table.
Mediterranean salad: Enjoy a light and flavorful salad featuring crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. Dress it with lemon and olive oil.
Hummus and pita bread: Classic hummus, smooth and creamy, paired with warm, freshly baked pita bread, provides a delightful contrast of textures.
Tabbouleh: This traditional Lebanese salad made with bulgur wheat, parsley, mint, tomatoes, and lemon juice brings a vibrant and refreshing element to the meal.
Grilled vegetables: Serve a medley of grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions for a smoky and charred addition to the spread.
These dishes will enhance the culinary experience and create a diverse and satisfying meal alongside the scrumptious kunafa rolls.
Ingredients
When it comes to making ricotta kunafa rolls, it’s important to have all the necessary ingredients on hand. Here’s what I use to make these delicious treats:
- 1 pound of shredded kunafa dough
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 pound of ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup of sugar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of rose water
- 1/2 cup of chopped pistachios
You can find kunafa dough in Middle Eastern grocery stores or online. It’s important to make sure it’s shredded and not in a solid block. The unsalted butter should be melted and ready to use before starting the recipe.
For the filling, I use ricotta cheese mixed with sugar and a little bit of water to create a creamy texture. Rose water is added for a subtle floral flavor that complements the sweetness of the sugar. Finally, chopped pistachios are sprinkled on top for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Overall, these ingredients come together to create a delicious and unique dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to make ricotta kunafa rolls?
- To make these delicious ricotta kunafa rolls, I’ll start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. I’ll need shredded kunafa dough, ricotta cheese, unsalted butter, sugar syrup, and chopped pistachios.
- First, I’ll melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over low heat. Then, I’ll mix the shredded kunafa dough with the melted butter until it’s well-coated.
- Next, I’ll spread the kunafa dough on a baking sheet and bake it in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until it turns golden brown.
- While the kunafa dough is baking, I’ll mix the ricotta cheese with some sugar syrup until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Once the kunafa dough is done, I’ll remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, I’ll cut it into rectangular pieces.
- To assemble the kunafa rolls, I’ll take one piece of kunafa dough and spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture on top. Then, I’ll roll it up tightly and place it on a serving dish.
- Finally, I’ll drizzle some sugar syrup on top of the kunafa rolls and sprinkle some chopped pistachios for garnish.
And there you have it, delicious ricotta kunafa rolls that are perfect for any occasion!
Tips and Variations
Tips for making the perfect ricotta kunafa rolls
When making ricotta kunafa rolls, it’s important to keep a few things in mind to ensure that they turn out perfectly. Here are some tips that I’ve found to be helpful:
- Use fresh kunafa dough: Fresh kunafa dough is essential for getting the right texture and taste. Avoid using frozen dough if possible.
- Use clarified butter: Clarified butter has a higher smoke point than regular butter, which means that it won’t burn as easily. This is important when frying the kunafa rolls.
- Don’t overfill the rolls: It can be tempting to overfill the kunafa rolls, but this can cause them to burst open during frying. Stick to a moderate amount of filling.
- Fry in small batches: Frying too many rolls at once can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in greasy, soggy rolls. Fry in small batches to ensure that the oil stays hot.
Variations to try
While these rolls are delicious on their own, there are many variations that you can try to mix things up. Here are some ideas:
- Chocolate: Add chocolate chips or Nutella to the filling for a decadent twist.
- Pistachio: Swap out the ricotta for pistachio cream for a nutty flavor.
- Savory: Use a savory filling like ground beef or spinach and feta for a different take on kunafa rolls.
- Fruit: Add fresh or dried fruit to the filling for a sweet and tangy flavor.
- Honey: Drizzle honey over the finished kunafa rolls for an extra touch of sweetness.
By following these tips and trying out different variations, you can create a wide range of delicious ricotta kunafa rolls that are sure to impress.
