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Egyptian Kunafa Recipe



Egyptian Kunafa Recipe

Kunafa is an Arabic dessert dish. Countries all over the middle east have their own variations for this recipe. Some being very similar while others have their own uniqueness. This dish is made of shredded phyllo pastry, a simple syrup and a filling.

** This post contains affiliate links. If you decide to make a purchase, I will receive a small commission after you have clicked on my link.

There are  many variations of fillings including banana, cream, raisins, nuts, cheese, to name a few. The shredded phyllo pastry which resembles shredded wheat, can be found either fresh or frozen in supermarkets which stock middle eastern food products.

Many people are intimidated by this recipe thinking that it is very complicated. To be honest I too was a little intimidated at first. However once I did it and saw my result I was able to make it more simplified and still have a delicious taste!

The following recipe I have listed here is an Egyptian variation. It is very simple and is comprised of a raisin filling.


Ingredients:


For the syrup:

* 2 cups sugar
* 1 cup water
* 1/2 a small lemon



For the cake:



500 grams of Raw Kunafa dough


* 5 to 6 tablespoons of butter (for best results use Ghee)
* 1 cup raisins



Preheat your oven to 350 F (175 C)

Grease generously both the bottom and sides of an 8" X 8" round pan.


Method:

Steps for the syrup:


Helpful tip:

Make the syrup after putting the kunafa in the oven. The syrup will still have plenty of time to cool down. I do this every time and have never had an issue.

1. In a medium sized pot and pour in the water and sugar.

2. Stir over medium heat for 10 minutes until you feel that liquid thickened. You can test this by touching the mixing spoon with a finger. If it feels sticky it is ready. Be careful of the hot liquid.

3. Squeeze half the lemon on the thickened liquid and stir for 2 more minutes. Cover up the syrup and leave it aside to cool down.


Steps for the cake:


1. Melt butter


2. Place the kunafa dough in a big bowl and begin separating it with your fingers.


3. Pour 5 tablespoons of butter into the kunafa.


4. Using your hands mix the butter into the kunafa thoroughly. Keep mixing until the kunafa feels moist. Add another tablespoon of butter if needed.


5. Add half of the buttered kunafa mixture to the pan. Using your hands press the mixture into the surface of the pan, working your fingers around the pan ensuring a level surface without lumps.


6. Once you have completely flattened the mixture, add the raisins. Spread them evenly over the flat surface. Keep away from the sides to avoid burning.


7. Add the remaining mixture, covering the raisins. Repeat the same process of pressing the mixture down very well until flat and level.



8. Place the kunafa in the oven for 35 minutes leaving it to become a golden color.


9. Switch off bottom heat in oven and turn on above heat (broil) for about 5 minutes. Turn the pan after each minute to allow an even golden color.


10- Once you take out the kunafa from the oven, pour the syrup on top of it evenly.  Leave it aside for 10 minutes to cool down, then you are ready to serve.

A lesson in Ghee:

* Ghee is "clarified butter" made from raw unsalted butter. Water and milk solids are removed. 

* A better choice of fat than butter and other saturated fats because of its distinctive healing property not found in other fats.


* Rich in natural antioxidants

* Can withstand higher temperatures than butter.


* Lactose free.

Enjoy!

Have you ever tried kunafa?







Post a Comment

17 Comments

  1. I have already tasted it when I travelled to Egypt. Amazing dessert.

    Thank you for sharing it!

    Zina (new follower)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Zina!
      I have to agree with this being an amazing dessert.
      Thank you for stopping by!
      Have a great weekend :)

      Delete
  2. Is this like Kataifi only with raisins instead of ricotta? If so I have tried this and it is so delicious. I will have to pin when it gets a little cooler so I can bake without heating up the whole house.

    Madonna/aka/Ms. Lemon
    MakeMineLemon

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Madonna!
      Yes it is the very same. I have had it as well with ricotta. Also good. Love it with the raisins more though :)
      Thank you for stopping by!
      Have a great weekend :)

      Delete
  3. This looks delicious Bismah! I like the ingredients. Thanks for becoming a Follower of my Blog. I am happy to follow back. Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Judy!
      I was going through my posts and noticed a few comments I had not replied back to up until now.
      Enjoy the rest of your week and the upcoming weekend :)

      Delete
  4. Ohh yammy. This recipe sounds really good & actually doesn't seem to be too difficult to make. I like baking quite a lot and finding new ideas is always great.
    Thank you for stopping by my blog earlier today. You are welcome any time!
    Following you via Google+ now.
    Wishing you a wonderful sunday.
    Xo,
    Luchessa.org

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! It is a really good recipe and not at all difficult. Thank you for the follow back.
      Have a wonderful weekend ahead :)

      Delete
  5. Good Afternoon Bismah, This is a lovely recipe. I have eaten a similar cake when I lived in Cyprus, it was very sweet, but so very lovely eaten with a strong cup of coffee on the side. I shall certainly be trying this recipe out as I know it is one my family will love.
    I am going to follow you via Google + and I look forward to getting to know you.
    Best Wishes
    Daphne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Daphne!
      I also love to eat this with a nice hot cup of coffee. It is a dessert that I only make on small occasions because of its sweetness.
      Thank you for stopping by.
      Have a wonderful week :)
      Bismah

      Delete
  6. Yum! Thanks for sharing on The Creative Home & Garden Hop! Hope to see you again today!
    http://littlehomesteadonthehill.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-creative-home-garden-hop-10.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lisa!
      Thank you for stopping by and leaving a nice comment. I am looking forward to linking up again.
      Have a great weekend :)

      Delete
  7. I came across you blog from another Hop.......I am always looking for a new recipe and I sure am going to try a couple of yours. I would love to have you to link up at my weekly Clever Chicks Blog Hop: http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2013/09/clever-chicks-blog-hop-54-with-two.html





    I hope you can make it!
    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino

    The Chicken Chick

    http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Kathy!
      I am quite late getting through my comments. However I will make sure to stop by and enter my link in blog hop.
      Have a wonderful weekend ahead :)

      Delete
  8. Hi Bismah! Thank you for sharing this! It sounds delicious (and I wish I had a slice right now!!!). Thank you for sharing at the Merry Monday Linky Party! I will be pinning and sharing! Julia

    ReplyDelete