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Turkish Kunafa

Turkish Kunafa
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A crispy, golden Turkish dessert made with shredded kadayıf dough, gooey cheese, and a fragrant sugar syrup, finished with crushed pistachios for the perfect crunch-meets-melt moment.

Ingredients

  • 250 grams Kadayıf (Shredded Phyllo Dough)
  • 200 grams Unsalted Cheese (like mozzarella or akkawi)
  • 100 grams Unsalted Butter (melted and clarified)
  • 1 cup Sugar
  • 3/4 cup Water
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Rose Water or Orange Blossom Water (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Pistachios

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 9-inch round baking pan with butter.
  2. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in rose water if using, then let it cool.
  3. In a large bowl, loosen the shredded dough and mix it with melted clarified butter until fully coated.
  4. Press half the buttery dough into the baking pan evenly. Spread the cheese over it, then top with the remaining dough. Press lightly.
  5. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden and crisp.
  6. Immediately invert the Kunafa onto a serving plate and drizzle with cooled syrup.
  7. Top with chopped pistachios and serve warm.

Notes

  • Clarify your butter to avoid burning and for better crispiness.
  • Let the syrup cool completely before pouring over the hot Kunafa.
  • Use fresh pistachios for best flavor and visual appeal.
  • Flip the dessert immediately after baking for a perfect top layer.

Find it online: https://www.cookfulcorner.com/turkish-kunafa/