This easy kunafa recipe without an oven is a delicious dessert that you can make with just a few basic ingredients. You can whip up a sweet and satisfying treat that will impress your family and friends.
To make it, you’ll need some kunafa dough, melted butter, milk, sugar, corn flour, cottage cheese, and mozzarella cheese. For the syrup, you’ll need sugar, water, and a touch of rose water. Simply mix the dough with the butter and press it into a pan, then top it with the cheese mixture and bake until golden brown. Drizzle with the syrup and enjoy!
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy kunafa recipe is sure to become a new favorite. So why wait? Grab your ingredients and get started today!
Understanding Kunafa
What Is Kunafa?
Kunafa is a Middle Eastern dessert often served during special occasions such as weddings, Ramadan, and Eid. It is made of shredded phyllo dough that is layered with sweet cheese or cream and soaked in sugar syrup. The dish is then baked in the oven until it is golden brown and crispy on the outside while soft and gooey on the inside.
You can change kunafa however you like to fit what you enjoy. It can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as pistachios, walnuts, almonds, or Nutella. It can also be flavored with rose water, orange blossom water, or cinnamon.
History and Origin
Kunafa has a long and rich history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. The dessert is believed to have originated in the city of Nablus in Israel, where it was known as kunafa nabulsi. Over time, the dish spread throughout the Middle East and became a popular dessert in Egypt, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan.
Traditionally, kunafa is baked in a large round pan in a wood-fired oven. However, with the rise of modern kitchen appliances, making kunafa without an oven is now possible. This makes it easier for home cooks to prepare the dessert and enjoy its delicious flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
- 250 gr of kunafa dough
- 110 gr of melted butter
- 250 ml of milk
- 2 tbsp of sugar
- 2 tbsp of corn flour
- 75 gr of cottage cheese
- 100 gr of mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup of sugar
- ½ cup of water
- ¼ tsp of rose water
How to Make This Easy Kunafa Recipe Without an Oven?
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Divide your 250 grams of Kunafa dough into two equal portions. Melt 110 grams of butter and gently rub it onto the dough, making sure each strand is coated.
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In a saucepan over medium flame, whisk together 250 milliliters of milk, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of cornflour until the mixture thickens. Once thickened, add 75 grams of cottage cheese and cook until it melts completely. Now, add 100 grams of mozzarella cheese and continue cooking until melted. Your creamy Kunafa filling is ready!
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Heat 1 cup of sugar and ½ cup of water on medium flame in a separate pan. Stir constantly until the sugar dissolves completely. Add ¼ teaspoon of rose water for an extra flavor boost. Simmer the syrup for 5 minutes, then add rose petals (optional) and set it aside.
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Grease a baking pan. Spread half of the Kunafa dough evenly on the bottom, pressing it down gently. Pour the prepared Kunafa cream into the center, leaving the edges free. Cover the cream with the remaining Kunafa dough, pressing gently again to form a compact shape. Cook the Kunafa on low flame for 5 minutes.
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Preheat your tawa (griddle) to medium flame. Grease a slightly larger pan than the one used for baking. Carefully flip the Kunafa onto the bigger pan using another pan or plate. Cook the Kunafa for an additional 10 minutes on medium flame on the tawa.
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Flip the golden brown Kunafa onto a serving plate. Generously drizzle the prepared sugar syrup over the top. Garnish with powdered pistachios and rose petals (optional) for a beautiful presentation. Cut and enjoy your delicious homemade Kunafa!
Serving Suggestions
Garnishing Tips
Kunafa is a visually stunning dessert and garnishing it properly can make it even more appealing. Here are a few tips for garnishing your kunafa:
- Sprinkle some chopped pistachios or almonds on top of the kunafa to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Drizzle some honey or rose syrup on top of the kunafa for a touch of sweetness and aroma.
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top of the kunafa for a creamy and decadent dessert.
Accompaniments
- Serve the kunafa with a cup of Arabic coffee or mint tea to balance its sweetness.
- Add a side of fresh fruit, such as sliced strawberries or pomegranate seeds, to add a refreshing and healthy element to the dessert.
- Serve the kunafa with a dollop of labneh or Greek yogurt to cut through its richness and add a tangy flavor.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Once the Kunafa is made, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place a slice of kunafa on a microwave-safe plate and heat it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
If you want to reheat the entire Kunafa, preheat your oven to 350°F and place the kunafa in the oven for 10-15 minutes until it is heated enough. Ensure to cover the Kunafa with foil to prevent it from drying out.
It is important to note that kunafa is best served fresh and warm, so making it just before serving is recommended. However, if you have leftovers, these storing and reheating tips will ensure that you can still enjoy the delicious taste of Kunafa.
Additionally, it is important to keep the syrup separate from the kunafa when storing and reheating, as the syrup can make the pastry soggy. Drizzle the syrup over the Kunafa just before serving to ensure the perfect texture.
Conclusion
This easy kunafa recipe without an oven is a simple process that anyone can follow. With the right ingredients and tools, anyone can create a delicious dessert that will impress their guests. Whether you’re looking to make a traditional kunafa or a modern twist on the classic dish, there are plenty of recipes and variations to choose from.
By using a stovetop or microwave, you can achieve the same crispy, golden crust and gooey cheese filling that you would get from an oven. It’s important to note that while the cooking method may differ, the ingredients and preparation remain the same. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
Overall, making kunafa without an oven is a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth and impress your friends and family. With a little bit of practice and patience, you can create a delicious dessert that everyone will love. So, what are you waiting for? Get in the kitchen and start cooking!
By the way, this delicious kunafa can be a great dessert after having moussaka with cottage cheese.
Get its recipe now (by clicking the image below):
