Knefe Tarte

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A smooth aromatic filling nestled inside a sweet crunchy crust and freckled with toasted crushed pistachios make a unique dessert that will impress your guests and stand out at your table. Whether you serve it after a meal or at a tea party, it will be an exceptionally delicious treat!

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Knefe Tarte

Yield: 8

Author: Fida Milki

Ingredients

For the crust

• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tsp rose water
• 1 tsp orange blossom water
• 1/2 pound kataifi( shredded fillo dough) at room temperature
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted

For the filling

• 3 slices white sandwich bread
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp sugar

Instructions

Make the crust

1. Make a syrup by mixing the sugar and water in a saucepan. Right before the mixture comes to a boil, squeeze 2 drops of lemon and boil for 5 minutes.
2. Add the rose water and the orange blossom water, remove from the heat and set aside.
3. Preheat the oven to 430 degrees F (220 C).
4. Place the kataifi in the bowl of a food processor and process to fine pieces.
5. Spread the kataifi on a baking sheet and mix it well with the melted butter. Place in the oven and bake until golden (15 to 20 minutes).
6. Remove from the oven and pour 1/2 cup syrup over the baked kataifi making sure it is evenly absorbed.
7. Butter the bottom of an 8-inch round springform cake pan.
8. Spread the kataifi mixture evenly over the bottom and slightly up the edges.
9. Let the crust rest for 1 1/2 at room temperature then cover it and place it in the freezer until ready to use.

Make the filling

1. Remove the brown edges of the bread slices and pull the bread apart into small pieces. Place the bread pieces in a saucepan and pour the milk.
2. Add the cornstarch and sugar.
3. Mix well to combine then cook over medium heat stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and starts boiling.
4. Remove from the heat and transfer to a bowl.
5. Cover and let cool completely at room temperature. Transfer to the fridge until serving.

Bring it all together

1. Remove the crust from the freezer and gently release it from the pan. Place it on a serving platter.
2. Gently spread the filling evenly over the crust to fill it up completely.
3. Sprinkle with toasted chopped pistachios or with your favorite nuts or fruits.
4. Slice and serve with some more syrup or honey if you like.
5. Enjoy!