I absolutely love kunafa with ashta! This traditional Middle Eastern dessert is a true masterpiece that combines the crispy texture of shredded phyllo dough with the creaminess of sweet cheese. It’s a perfect dessert for any occasion, from family gatherings to special events.
To make this dessert, you will need some basic ingredients, including kunafa dough, ghee, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, water, honey, milk, heavy cream, cornflour, and pistachios. The kunafa dough is the show’s star, giving this dessert its unique texture. The syrup adds a sweet and tangy flavor, while the cream filling balances the sweetness with its rich and creamy texture. Finally, the pistachios on top add a nice crunch and a pop of color.
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s both impressive and delicious, then this is the perfect choice. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner, this dessert is easy to make and will impress your guests. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how amazing it tastes?
What Is Kunafa With Ashta?
History of Kunafa
Kunafa, also spelled knafeh or kenafeh, is a traditional dessert that originated in the Levant region, including modern-day Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Jordan. It’s made by layering shredded phyllo dough with a sweet cheese filling and then baking it until golden and crispy. kunafa is typically served warm and drizzled with a simple syrup flavored with rose water or orange blossom water.
Ashta, also known as clotted cream, is a thick, rich dairy product made by slowly heating milk until a layer of cream forms on top. The cream is then skimmed off and cooled, resulting in a silky smooth texture and a slightly tangy flavor.
Defining Ashta
Kunafa with ashta is a variation of the traditional kunafa recipe. Instead of using a cheese filling, it’s filled with a generous amount of ashta, which gives the dessert a creamy, luxurious texture. The shredded phyllo dough is still used, but it’s often mixed with butter or ghee to make it even more crispy and delicious.
To serve it, it’s typically cut into small squares or triangles and then topped with chopped pistachios or other nuts for added crunch and flavor. It’s a decadent dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or for satisfying your sweet tooth any time of day.
Ingredients:
- 400 g of kunafa dough
- 1/2 cup of ghee
For the syrup:
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp of lemon juice
- 1 cup of water
- 2 tbsp of honey
For the cream:
- 2 cups of milk
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 5 tbsp of cornflour
- 4 tbsp of sugar
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
Topping:
- 2 tbsp of finely chopped pistachios
How to Make Kunafa with Ashta?
- To begin, craft a simple syrup. In a saucepan, combine sugar and water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat, incorporate honey (optional), and simmer for 5 minutes. Subsequently, whisk in lemon juice and vanilla extract. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.
- Next, prepare the creamy ashta. In a large saucepan, whisk together sugar, cornstarch, heavy cream, and milk until a smooth, lump-free mixture is achieved. Over medium heat, whisk constantly for 2-3 minutes until boiling. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens. Finally, stir in vanilla extract and remove from heat. Allow the cream to cool.
- For the kunafa, preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F). Generously grease a 22 cm baking pan with ghee, ensuring even application on both the bottom and sides. Cut the kunafa dough into 3-4 cm strips in a large bowl by using kitchen scissors. Pour melted ghee over the dough and thoroughly combine.
- Layer half of the kunafa mixture into the greased pan, pressing firmly to form a compact base. Spread the cooled ashta cream evenly over the top. Finally, top with the remaining kunafa and gently press down.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately upon removing from the oven, drizzle the cooled syrup evenly over the top. Allow to rest for 10 minutes to facilitate syrup absorption. Finish by garnishing with chopped pistachios, slicing, and serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Garnish with pistachios: Sprinkle some crushed or chopped pistachios on top of the kunafa for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. It also adds a pop of green color to the dish.
- Serve with a scoop of ice cream: This kunafa is already a decadent dessert, but adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes it to the next level. The cold and creamy ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm and sweet kunafa.
- Drizzle with syrup: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle some syrup on top of the kunafa. You can use honey, simple syrup, or even rosewater syrup for a fragrant twist.
- Pair with Arabic coffee: Kunafa is often served with Arabic coffee, which is a strong and aromatic coffee brewed with cardamom. The bitterness of the coffee balances out the sweetness of the dessert, making for a perfect pairing.
Pairing Suggestions
1. Tea or Coffee
This sweet and rich dessert perfectly matches a hot cup of tea or coffee. The bitterness of the coffee or the tannins in the tea help cut through the sweetness of the dessert, making for a balanced and enjoyable pairing.
2. Fruits
For a healthier option, try pairing kunafa with some fresh fruit. The acidity and freshness of the fruit help balance out the richness of the dessert. Some great options include strawberries, raspberries, or even a slice of fresh orange.
3. Ice Cream
For an indulgent treat, try serving kunafa with a scoop of ice cream. The cold and creamy texture of the ice cream complements the warm and gooey Kunafa, making for a delicious contrast of textures.
4. Nuts
This kunafa is often topped with nuts, but why stop there? You can also pair it with a handful of nuts, such as pistachios, almonds, or cashews. The crunchiness of the nuts adds a great texture to the dessert, while their nuttiness complements the sweetness of the Kunafa.
Storing and Preservation
Firstly, it is important to note that this dessert is best consumed within a few hours of being prepared. After this time, the pastry can begin to dry out and lose its signature crunch. However, if you do need to store it, there are a few things you can do to help preserve its flavor and texture.
One option is to store your kunafa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to keep the pastry from drying out too quickly. However, it is important to note that the Ashta filling can become a bit runny when stored in the fridge, so be sure to drain any excess liquid before serving.
Another option is to freeze your kunafa. To do this, simply wrap the pastry tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer. When you are ready to serve, allow the Kunafa to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crunch.
No matter how you choose to store your kunafa, it is important to keep it away from moisture and humidity. This can cause the pastry to become soggy and lose its texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, kunafa with Ashta is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This dessert is both delicious and visually appealing, making it a great addition to any dessert table. The combination of the crispy, sweet kunafa dough and the creamy, rich ashta filling is a match made in heaven.
One of the best things about it is its versatility. It can be served warm or cold, making it suitable for any season. Additionally, it can be customized by adding different toppings such as chopped nuts, fruit, or honey.
Overall, kunafa with ashta is a dessert that is worth trying. It is a classic Middle Eastern dessert that has gained popularity worldwide, and for good reason. Its unique taste and texture make it stand out from other desserts, and it is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
By the way, this is a perfect dessert after having moussaka with potatoes!
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