Middle Eastern Kunafah (with Simple Ingredients)

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This Easy Kunafa Recipe with simple ingredients is made with a perfect balance of flavors and textures and adds diversity to your kitchen.

Prep Time15

Cook Time50

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: middle eastern

Servings: servings

Preheat your oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, separate the kunafa dough strands to loosen them. don't worry about pulling on them too much, smeller pieces of shredded phyllo dough crisps up even better.
8 oz kunafa dough
Pour the melted clarified butter over the dough and sprinkle with the granulated sugar then mix well to ensure all strands are coated. You can do this by repeating that pulling motion that you did in the previous step.
1/2 cup ghee/clarified butter, 2 tablespoon granulated sugar
Press half of the buttered dough into the bottom of a 10.5-inch round pan, spreading it evenly and pressing it down firmly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and soft mozzarella cheese over the dough, spreading it evenly.
1 & 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 & 1/4 cup soft mozzarella cheese in water
Top with the remaining half of the buttered dough, spreading it evenly and pressing it down firmly using the back of a measuring cup or a regular drinking glass.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-55 minutes, or until the kunafa is golden brown and crispy.

While the kunafa is baking, prepare the sugar syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the rose water then allow it to cool down while the kunafa is still baking. .
1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
Remove the kunafa from the oven and immediately pour the sugar syrup evenly over the hot kunafa. Allow the kunafa to cool for a few minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate.
Garnish with chopped pistachios and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious kunafa!