Knefe

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Knefe is probably the crown jewel of big events in the Middle East and the centerpiece of dessert tables in special occasions and celebrations. A crust of kataifi (shredded phyllo dough) is topped with a layer or either cheese or clotted cream or a mix of both, then sealed with a top crust of dough soaked in aromatic syrup and garnished with crushed pistachios. The blend of textures and flavors is absolutely divine especially when knefe is served warm and the cheese is melting in your mouth. A culinary experience to die for!

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Knefe

Yield: 12

Author: Fida Milki

Ingredients

For the pastry

• 450g kataifi (shredded Phyllo dough)
• 1 cup + 2 tbsp ghee or butter melted

For the filling

• 5 cups milk
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp rose water
• 1 tsp orange blossom water
• 850g of sweet cheese or mozzarella cheese or a mix of both

For the syrup

• 2 cups sugar
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp rose water
• 1 tsp orange blossom water

Instructions

Get started

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (176 C).
2. Grease the bottom and sides of a 14-inch round baking pan.
3. Place the kataifi in a big bowl and loosen it with your hands into very fine pieces.
4. Pour the melted ghee or butter over the dough and mix well until very well coated.
5. Divide the dough into thirds.

Prepare the filling

1. In a saucepan, mix the milk with the starch and sugar.
2. Whisk well until the starch and sugar are fully dissolved then turn the heat on and bring the mixture to a gentle boil stirring constantly until it thickens.
3. Stir in the rose water and the orange blossom water. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly covered with plastic wrap.
4. Once cooled stir in the cheese into the mixture.

Prepare the syrup

1. Combine the sugar with the water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
2. Add the lemon juice and let the syrup simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Stir in the rose water and orange blossom water.
4. Simmer for an additional minute and remove from the heat.

To assemble

1. Transfer two thirds of the dough to the prepared pan and spread it evenly pressing with your hands all over the bottom and sides of the pan.
2. Top with the filling spreading it evenly then cover with the remaining pastry packing it down tightly.
3. Bake in the heated oven for around 30 minutes until golden.
4. Drizzle with some syrup and return to the oven. Bake for another 5 minutes.
5. Remove and sprinkle with some crushed pistachios.
6. Serve warm with more syrup as you like.