Kunafa with banana recipe is the perfect blend of crispy, crunchy pastry, and sweet, creamy fruit. This is a variation of the traditional Middle Eastern pastry, kunafa, that incorporates one of my favorite fruits: bananas.
To make this delectable dessert, you will need a few key ingredients. For the caramelized cinnamon kunafa crumbs, you will need unsalted butter, kunafa pastry (also known as kataifi or kadaifi), granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. The salted caramel sauce calls for granulated sugar, water, salted butter, heavy whipping cream, and fine salt. Finally, you will need vanilla ice cream and fresh bananas to top off the dish.
The process of making this dessert may seem daunting at first, but with a little bit of patience and practice, anyone can master this dessert. The result is a unique and flavorful treat that is sure to impress your friends and family. So why not give it a try and add a new dessert option to your repertoire?
History of Kunafa
Origin
Kunafa is said to have originated in the city of Nablus, located in the West Bank of Israel. The dessert has been around for centuries and has been enjoyed by people from different cultures and backgrounds. The original recipe for kunafa is said to have been created by the Arab Bedouins who used to make it with cheese, sugar, and dough.
Cultural Significance
Kunafa is not just a dessert, but it is also an important part of Middle Eastern culture. It is often served during special occasions such as weddings, Eid, and Ramadan. In some countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, kunafa is also served during the holy month of Ramadan as a way to break the fast.
In addition to its cultural significance, kunafa has also gained popularity in other parts of the world, including Europe and the United States. Today, you can find kunafa in many Middle Eastern restaurants and bakeries around the world.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup + 1 tsp of unsalted butter
- 170g of fresh or frozen kunafa (aka kataifi/kadaifi) pastry.
- 1/2 cup (100g) of granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp of ground cinnamon
- 1 cup (200g) of granulated sugar
- ¼ cup + 2 tbsp of water
- ¼ cup (57g) of diced salted butter
- ½ cup of warm heavy whipping cream
- ½ tsp of fine salt
- 1 liter (2 pints) of vanilla ice cream
- 4 to 5 of sliced large bananas
How to Make Kunafa with Banana?
Caramelized Kunafa Crumble:
- Preparation: Crumble the semi-frozen kunafa dough into uniform pieces.
- Cooking: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the kunafa and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown (approximately 5 minutes).
- Caramelization: Incorporate the sugar and stir to evenly coat the kunafa. Allow the sugar to caramelize for an additional 5 minutes, maintaining consistent stirring for even browning.
- Flavoring: Once a rich golden brown and achieving a satisfying crunch, add cinnamon and combine thoroughly. Allow the crumble to cool completely before using.
Salted Caramel Sauce:
- Combining Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar and water. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Crystal Prevention: Cover the saucepan for 1 minute to dissolve any sugar crystals clinging to the sides. Remove the cover and continue cooking the mixture, undisturbed, while swirling the pan occasionally. Brush down the sides with water, if necessary, to promote even browning until an amber color is achieved.
- Emulsification: Remove the pan from heat and immediately whisk in the butter until thoroughly melted. Carefully add the cream, anticipating a vigorous bubbling reaction. Whisk vigorously to combine and return the pan to low heat. Continue whisking until the sauce becomes completely smooth and any hardened caramel dissolves.
- Finishing Touches: Season with salt and transfer the finished caramel sauce to a suitable serving vessel. Utilize it warm, or reheat gently in a microwave before serving.
Dessert Assembly:
- Layering: Distribute a layer of caramelized kunafa crumble at the base of individual serving glasses.
- Flavor Profile: Top the crumble with a layer of sliced bananas and a generous scoop of ice cream.
- Caramel Accenting: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the assembled dessert. A second layer of ingredients may be incorporated for a more decadent presentation if desired.
- Serving: This delightful dessert is best enjoyed immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
This kunafa is already a treat on its own, but a few accompaniments can take it to the next level. Here are some of my favorite options:
- Vanilla ice cream: The cool creaminess of vanilla ice cream pairs perfectly with the warm, gooey kunafa. Plus, the contrast in temperature makes for a delightful sensory experience.
- Whipped cream: For a lighter option, try topping your kunafa with a dollop of whipped cream. The airy texture complements the dense kunafa nicely.
- Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon adds warmth and depth of flavor to the dish.
Presentation Tips
This is a visually stunning dessert, and you can make it even more impressive with a few presentation tips. Here are some ideas:
- Serve it in individual portions: It looks beautiful when served in individual ramekins or bowls. Plus, it makes it easier for guests to enjoy without having to cut into a larger dish.
- Garnish with fresh fruit: A few slices of fresh banana or other fruit can make for a lovely finishing touch.
- Dust with powdered sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance to the dish.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
It is important to keep kunafa in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will help to keep it fresh for up to three days.
To reheat it, you can use an oven or a microwave. If using an oven, preheat it to 350°F and place the kunafa in a baking dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
If using a microwave, Put the kunafa on a plate and cover it with a moist paper towel. Heat it on high for 30-second intervals, checking and stirring in between, until it is heated through.
It is important to note that reheating kunafa multiple times can cause it to become dry and lose its texture. Therefore, it is best to only reheat it once and consume any leftovers within three days of storage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, kunafa with banana is a delicious and unique dessert that is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. Combining crispy kunafa pastry with creamy banana filling creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
One of the best things about it is its versatility. It can be served warm or cold and can be topped with a variety of different ingredients such as nuts, honey, or whipped cream.
Another great aspect of this dessert is that it is relatively easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment, anyone can whip up a batch of delicious kunafa in no time.
Overall, I highly recommend giving kunafa with banana a try. It is a unique and tasty dessert that is sure to impress your friends and family.
Just so you know, this kunafa can be a perfect dessert after having shakshuka with cherry tomatoes.
Get its recipe now (by clicking the image below):
