How to Make the Perfect Cheese Kunafa: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Cheese Kunfana recipe is one of the most beloved dishes in the Middle East. It is a combination of different textures and mouth-savoring flavors which makes it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Kufana is a crispy, buttery shredded pastry filled with creamy cheese, and is a true delight for anyone. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the soft and squishy interior is usually combined with the sweetness of the syrup. This creates a symphony of different flavors, and sensations which dance on the palate. 

In this step-by-step guide, we will be walking you through the process of making this delicious treat from scratch, Be it a professional chef, or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe of kunafa is simple and straightforward for anyone to master.

The Sweet History of Cheese Kunafa

Cheese Kufana is also known as kanafeh. It has deeper roots in the Middle East, with its origins tracing back to ‌Nabulus city in Palestine. Some researchers suggest that it dates back to the 10th century, during the dynasty of Umayyad. There it was more often enjoyed as a suhoor meal to sustain fasting individuals. 

Nablus, a city that is nestled in the West Bank region, is often credited as the birthplace of this desert. You might wonder, what is kunafa made of? There the traditional recipe of kunafa features a base of shredded phyllo dough, layered with a blend of local white cheeses, and topped with a drizzle of sweet syrup. This combination does make it a beloved treat to serve across different regions. 

How to make a Traditional Cheese Kunafa?

If you have been craving a Middle Eastern dessert that gives you a good time at the dinner table, or a breakfast brunch, look no further than cheese kunafa recipe. What is kunafa made of? This dish layers kataifi dough with cheese at the center, drizzling it with sweet syrup for a perfect balance of textures and flavors. So, are you ready to try your hand at this treat at your home? Let us get started with how to prepare kunafa:

How to make Cheese kunafa Steps:

For the Syrup:

• 1 cup water

• 2 cups sugar

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 2 teaspoons rose water (or vanilla extract)

For the Kunafa:

• 1 pound kataifi dough (shredded phyllo dough)

• 1 cup melted samneh or unsalted butter

• 1 pound fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 1 cup clotted cream (ashta)

• 2 tablespoons ground pistachios (for garnish)

RECIPE for Creamy, Cheese Kunafa:

1. Make the Syrup:

How to make Cheese kunafa? In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar together. Then stir over medium heat until sugar gets dissolved. Add the lemon juice and rose water, bringing to a boil and letting it simmer for around 10 minutes. Then remove the heat, and let it stay cool.

2. Prepare the Kataifi Dough:

Then proceed by thawing the dough according to the instructions of the package. Once it is thawed, then tear it by the hand or by using a food processor into a lot smaller pieces. Then place it in a big bowl, and pour it in the melted ghee, or butter over the dough. Mixing it well to coat every strand of it. 

3. Assemble the Kunafa:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan with some melted butter or ghee.

4. Press half of the buttered kataifi dough into the pan, and press down firmly.

• Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the dough.

• Place the clotted cream on top of the cheese.

• Top with the remaining kataifi dough, and press down lightly.

      4. Bake:

Go ahead by baking the kunafa, in the preheated oven. The time duration should be around 45 - 60 minutes or until the top is pure golden and crispy. You should keep an eye on it so it does not get burnt. 

5. Serve:

As soon as the kunafa is out of the oven, pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot pastry. Let it soak in, then sprinkle with ground pistachios for a touch of crunch. Slice it up and serve while it’s still warm.

Tips for crafting a Perfect Cheese Kunafa

To help you make the perfect cheese kunafa recipe, here are a few handy tips and tricks that will ensure your dessert is as delicious as possible. 

Cheese Selection

To craft an authentic cheese kunafa, more grounded and traditional Middle Eastern Cheeses like Nabulsi or Akkawi are very well ideal. This is due to their perfect melt and slight saltiness in the flavor. Fresh mozzarella does serve as an excellent substitute, which can offer a more creamy texture and mild flavor. But there are times when there is excessive moisture there to ruin the taste. To prevent it, pat the fresh mozzarella dry before you use it. 

Make Ahead

Are you planning? You can prepare the kunafa up to the stage of the baking. Do assemble the layers, cover them, and refrigerate properly. When you are ready to serve, then bake it fresh for a warm and delightful bite. 

Storage

Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in either the oven or the microwave. For maintaining the crispy texture, the preferable option would be reheating it. To prevent sogginess, ensure that the kunafa cools down completely before it gets stored. 

Conclusion

And there you have it, a perfect cheese kunafa recipe, a dessert that beautifully bonds the tradition, flavor, and texture in every single bite. Be it a grand gathering you are serving at, or enjoying a quiet moment of indulgence, this dish never fails to captivate. 

With its golden, and crispy exterior, with the cheesy center, topped with fragrant syrup and a sprinkle of pistachios, Cheese Kunafa is a sweet symphony of textures and flavors that promises delight in every bite you will ever have.

So why wait? Gather up your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your friends to this unforgettable experience. Or if you want to have a quick shortcut from all this hassle, then you can gift yourself Teeba Cheese Kunafa from 24shopping.

FAQs

1. Which Kunafa is best, cheese or cream? 

There are different types of Kunafa available, but it does depend on personal preference.

2. What is cheese kunafa made of? 

Cheese kunafa is made up of kataifi dough, mozzarella cheese, clotted cream, and sweet syrup. 

3. What cheese is used in kunafa? 

Fresh mozzarella is commonly used in the kunafa for a more creamy texture and mild flavor.