Have you ever tried kunafa with nuts? It’s a delicious Middle Eastern dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Kunafa is made with shredded phyllo dough layered with a sweet and nutty filling and then soaked in a syrup flavored with rose water or orange blossom water. In this article, I will show you how to make kunafa with nuts step by step.
To make it, you will need a few ingredients. For the kunafa mix, you’ll need ready-made kunafa dough, unsalted melted butter, powdered sugar, grape molasses or honey, and liquid yellow food coloring (optional). For the filling, you’ll need crushed coarse nuts (almonds, pistachios, and hazelnuts), seedless raisins, fine-grated coconut, and cinnamon powder. And for the syrup, you’ll need white sugar, water, and fresh lemon juice. Lastly, for serving, you’ll need coarse ground pistachios and ice cream with your favorite flavor.
Understanding Kunafa
Kunafa is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that is popular all over the world. This sweet and crunchy pastry is made with shredded phyllo dough and is typically filled with cheese or nuts. In this section, I will provide an overview of kunafa, including its history and the different varieties available.
History of Kunafa
People have enjoyed kunafa in the Middle East for centuries. It is believed to have originated in Nablus (modern Israel today), where it was first made with cheese and semolina dough. Over time, different variations of kunafa were developed, with some using nuts instead of cheese.
Today, people enjoy kunafa worldwide, and each region has its unique take on the dessert. In some countries, kunafa is served with sweet syrup, while in others it is paired with ice cream or fresh fruit.
Varieties of Kunafa
Several different types of kunafa are available, each with its unique flavor and texture. Here are a few of the most popular varieties:
- Cheese Kunafa: This is the most common type of kunafa and is typically made with soft white cheese, such as ricotta or mozzarella.
- Nut Kunafa: This variation (described here) is made with a mixture of chopped nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, and walnuts. The nuts are typically mixed with sugar, cinnamon, and other spices to create a sweet and crunchy filling.
- Cream Kunafa: This version of kunafa is filled with a rich and creamy custard, which is made with milk, sugar, and cornstarch.
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of ready kunafa dough
- 100 grams of unsalted melted butter
- 1 tbsp of powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp of grape molasses or honey
- 1 tsp of liquid yellow food coloring (optional)
For the filling:
- 250 gr of nuts roasted and crushed coarse (pistachios, almonds, and hazelnuts)
- 50 gr of seedless raisins
- 50 gr of finely grated coconut
- 1 tbsp of cinnamon powder
The syrup:
- 2 cups of white sugar
- 1 1/2 cups of water
- 1 tsp of fresh lemon juice
For serving, you can use coarse ground pistachios and your favorite flavor of ice cream.
How to Make Kunafa with Nuts?
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Simple Syrup: Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and simmer for 7 minutes, then add lemon juice and simmer for an additional 3 minutes. Allow to cool completely before using.
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Kunafa Dough Preparation: By using scissors, cut the kunafa dough into small pieces directly in a wide baking tray. In a separate container, infuse melted butter with your desired food coloring. Drizzle the colored butter over the dough pieces. Finally, incorporate powdered sugar and grape molasses, mixing thoroughly until evenly distributed.
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Kunafa Assembly: Firmly press half of the prepared kunafa dough mixture into the bottom of the baking tray, ensuring a level surface. Introduce your chosen filling (traditionally cheese) and spread it evenly over the first layer. Gently press the filling layer to secure it. Top with the remaining kunafa dough, pressing firmly to create a uniform and compact shape.
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Baking: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the assembled kunafa on the middle rack and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
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Serving: Once baked, allow the kunafa to cool slightly for approximately 20 minutes. Drizzle the cooled simple syrup over the top. Garnish with chopped pistachios and serve alongside a scoop of ice cream for a delightful presentation.
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions
When serving this kunafa, it’s best to serve it warm. You can reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving. You can also sprinkle some powdered sugar and ground cinnamon on top to add some extra flavor and sweetness.
Kunafa with nuts can be served as a dessert after a meal or as a sweet snack with coffee or tea. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to balance out the sweetness.
Storage Tips
If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the kunafa in the oven for a few minutes until it’s warm.
It’s important to note that this kunafa can become soggy if it’s stored for too long or if it’s not stored properly. To prevent this, make sure to store it in an airtight container and avoid stacking it on top of each other.
If you want to store kunafa longer, you can freeze it. Place it in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making kunafa with nuts, there are a few common mistakes that can easily be avoided with the right knowledge and preparation. Here are some tips to help you avoid these mistakes and create a delicious kunafa:
- Using too much syrup: It can be tempting to pour a lot of syrup over the kunafa to make it sweeter, but this can result in a soggy and overly sweet dessert. Instead, use enough syrup to lightly coat the kunafa and enhance its flavor.
- Not properly soaking the kunafa dough: Kunafa dough needs to be soaked in butter or ghee before baking to ensure that it becomes crispy and golden brown. Ensure the dough with butter or ghee evenly and let it soak for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Not using enough nuts: Kunafa with nuts should be filled with plenty of nuts to give it a rich and crunchy texture. Make sure to use enough nuts and spread them evenly throughout the kunafa.
- Not letting the kunafa cool before serving: Kunafa is best served at room temperature or slightly warm. If you serve it too soon after baking, it may be too hot and difficult to eat. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to ensure that it is the perfect temperature.
Conclusion
This dessert is a delicious and satisfying dessert that anyone can enjoy. Through this recipe, I have shown you how to make kunafa with nuts step by step. By following the instructions, you can make a perfect dessert that will impress your friends and family.
In conclusion, kunafa is a dessert that can be made in many different ways. However, adding nuts to it adds a unique flavor and texture that enhances the overall taste of the dessert. So, if you are looking for a dessert to impress your guests or just want to enjoy a sweet treat, try making kunafa with nuts. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
On another note, this dessert is perfect after having a shakshuka with garbanzo beans meal.
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