Knafeh, a Delicious Dessert Recipe

Knafeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that is popular across the region and beyond. This sweet dish is made with a cheese or semolina base, topped with crispy pastry, and soaked in sweet syrup.

The origins of this dish are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have been first created in the Palestinian city of Nablus. It has since become a beloved dessert in many parts of the Middle East, particularly in countries such as Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Egypt.

Knafeh is traditionally served during special occasions and celebrations, such as weddings, Eid al-Fitr, and other religious festivals. It is also a popular street food, served by vendors in markets and on the side of the road.

The cultural significance of Knafeh extends beyond its delicious taste. It has become a symbol of Palestinian and Middle Eastern identity and culture and is often used as a means of expressing national pride and solidarity.

In recent years, this dish has gained popularity in other parts of the world, particularly in Europe and the United States, where it is often served in Middle Eastern restaurants and at food festivals. Its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors, combined with its cultural significance, has made it a popular and much-loved dessert across the globe.

Introduction

Knafeh, also spelled Kunafa or Konafa, is a popular Middle Eastern dessert that is known for its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. It is typically made with cheese, pastry, and a syrupy sweetener. This dessert has been enjoyed for centuries and has become a staple at many celebrations and gatherings.

If you’re looking for a mouthwatering and traditional dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, then Knafeh should be on your list. It is a popular Middle Eastern dessert that is made from shredded phyllo dough, sweet cheese, and soaked in sweet sugar syrup. This dessert is so delicious that it is hard to resist having just one serving. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step recipe on how to make Knafeh at home, just like the ones you would find at a Middle Eastern bakery. This dish is considered among the most liked dishes of arab culture like shawarma, umm ali, etc

Nutritional facts

The nutritional content of Knafeh can vary depending on the specific recipe and ingredients used, but here is a general breakdown of the typical nutritional values for it’s single serving:

• Calories: A single serving of this dish contains around 350-400 calories.
• Fat: It is a high-fat dessert, with around 20-30 grams of fat per serving.
• Protein: It is a good source of protein, with around 10-15 grams per serving.
• Carbohydrates: It is high in carbohydrates, with around 30-40 grams per serving.
• Sugar: It is also high in sugar, with around 20-25 grams per serving.
• Fiber: It is not a significant source of fiber, with only 1-2 grams per serving.

It’s important to note that Knafeh is a high-calorie and high-fat dessert that should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. While it can provide some potential health benefits, such as protein and calcium, it should not be relied on as a primary source of nutrition.

Health benefits

While it is not necessarily healthy food, it does offer some potential health benefits. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Good source of protein: Knafeh is typically made with cheese, which is a good source of protein. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, and it can help keep you feeling full and satisfied after a meal.
• Rich in calcium: Cheese is also a good source of calcium, which is essential for building and maintaining strong bones and teeth. Just one serving of Knafeh can provide a significant amount of your daily calcium needs.
• Provides energy: It is a rich and indulgent dessert that provides a quick burst of energy from its high sugar content. While it’s not a sustainable source of energy, it can be a satisfying treat when enjoyed in moderation.
• Boosts mood: Eating sweet foods like Knafeh can trigger the release of feel-good chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine. This can help improve mood and reduce feelings of stress or anxiety.

While Knafeh should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, it can provide some potential health benefits when eaten as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Recipe of knafeh

The cooking time for Knafeh can vary depending on the recipe and cooking method used. Generally, it takes around 30-45 minutes to bake Knafeh in the oven. However, some recipes may require longer or shorter cooking times depending on the thickness of the Knafeh and the desired level of doneness.

It’s important to keep an eye on the Knafeh while it’s cooking to avoid overcooking or burning it. The top of the Knafeh should be golden brown and the cheese should be melted and gooey.

In addition to baking, Knafeh can also be cooked on the stovetop in a skillet or griddle. This method can take less time than baking and can be a good option if you don’t want to heat your oven.

Overall, the cooking time for Knafeh will depend on the specific recipe and cooking method used, but it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and monitor the Knafeh while it’s cooking to ensure it turns out perfectly.

Ingredients

• 1 pound of shredded phyllo dough
• 1 cup of melted unsalted butter
• 1 cup of fine semolina
• 1 pound of sweet cheese (such as Akkawi or mozzarella)
• 2 cups of milk
• 2 cups of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water
• 1 tablespoon of rose water
• 1 cup of chopped pistachios (optional)

Utensils required in cooking

Here are the utensils that are commonly used in making it:

• Large mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is used to mix and combine the ingredients for it’s filling.
• Cheese grater: A cheese grater is used to grate the cheese that is used in the Knafeh filling.
• Pastry brush: A pastry brush is used to brush the butter or oil onto the bottom and sides of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
• Baking dish: A baking dish is used to bake the Knafeh in the oven. A round or square baking dish with high sides is recommended.
• Food processor or blender: A food processor or blender is used to crush the shredded phyllo dough into smaller pieces for it’s topping.
• Saucepan: A small saucepan is used to make the simple syrup that is poured over the Knafeh after it is baked.
• Oven mitts: The baking dish and oven can become very hot during cooking, so oven mitts or pot holders are essential for handling them safely.

By having these utensils on hand, you can ensure that your Knafeh is cooked evenly and safely and that you have an enjoyable cooking experience.

Steps in Making Knafeh

Preparing the Sugar Syrup

• In a medium-sized saucepan, add 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
• Lower the heat and let the syrup simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until it thickens and turns into a syrupy consistency.
• Add 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water and 1 tablespoon of rose water to the syrup and mix well.
• Remove the syrup from the heat and let it cool.

Preparing the Cheese Filling

• In a mixing bowl, grate the sweet cheese using a cheese grater.
• Add 2 cups of milk and mix well until the cheese softens.
• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to an hour to let the cheese soak in the milk.

Prepare the Phyllo Dough

• Preheat the oven to 350°F.
• In a large mixing bowl, mix 1 pound of shredded phyllo dough with 1 cup of fine semolina.
• Add 1 cup of melted unsalted butter to the mixture and mix well until the dough is evenly coated.
• Divide the dough in half.
• Grease a 9-inch round baking dish with some butter.
• Place half of the dough at the bottom of the dish and press it down evenly with your fingers.

Adding the Cheese Filling

• Take the cheese filling out of the fridge and spread it evenly over the layer of phyllo dough.
• Cover the cheese with the other half of the phyllo dough and press it down gently with your fingers.

Baking the Knafeh

• Bake the Knafeh in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown.
• Remove the Knafeh from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes.
• Using a sharp knife, cut the Knafeh into desired serving sizes.
• Pour the cooled sugar syrup over the Knafeh and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to soak up the syrup.

Serving the Knafeh

• Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the Knafeh before serving
• Serve this dish while it’s still warm and drizzles any extra sugar syrup on top.
• You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side.

Tips for Making Perfect Knafeh

• Make sure to grate the cheese finely, as this will help it melt evenly and create a smooth and creamy filling.
• Let the cheese sit in the milk for at least 30 minutes to an hour, as this will help soften the cheese and make it easier to spread.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the Knafeh into serving sizes, as this will help create clean and even cuts.
• Serve this dish warm, as it tastes best when it’s fresh out of the oven and still slightly gooey.

Precautions in cooking

When cooking this dish, it is important to take some precautions to ensure that the dessert turns out perfectly. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Be careful when working with hot sugar syrup, as it can cause severe burns. Always use oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves when handling hot pans or syrup.
• Use a non-stick pan or a well-greased pan to prevent the Knafeh from sticking to the bottom.
• Make sure the cheese is finely grated to ensure that it melts evenly and creates a smooth and creamy filling.
• Let the cheese sit in the milk for at least 30 minutes to an hour to soften and make it easier to spread.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the Knafeh into serving sizes, as this will help create clean and even cuts.
• Bake this dish until it is golden brown and crispy, but be careful not to overcook it, as this will make it dry and hard.

By taking these precautions and following the recipe carefully, you can make a delicious and perfect Knafeh every time.

Side effects of knafeh

While Knafeh is a delicious and popular dessert, it can have some potential side effects if consumed in excess. Here are a few to keep in mind:

• Weight gain: Knafeh is a high-calorie and high-fat dessert, which can contribute to weight gain if consumed regularly in large amounts.
• High sugar content: this dish is also high in sugar, which can contribute to blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance if consumed in excess.
• Digestive discomfort: Knafeh is a rich and heavy dessert, which can cause digestive discomforts such as bloating, gas, and constipation, especially if consumed in large amounts.
• Increased risk of heart disease: The high-fat and high-sugar content of this dish can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease if consumed regularly in excess.
• Tooth decay: this dish is high in sugar, which can contribute to tooth decay and cavities if consumed regularly without proper dental hygiene.

While these side effects are not guaranteed to occur with Knafeh consumption, it’s important to enjoy this dessert in moderation as part of a balanced diet to minimize the risk of negative health consequences.

Conclusion

Knafeh is a delicious and popular Middle Eastern dessert that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following this step-by-step recipe, you can easily make this dish at home and impress your family and friends with your baking skills. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can create a perfectly crispy and creamy Knafeh that will melt in your mouth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for Knafeh?

Yes, you can use any type of sweet cheese that melts well, such as Akkawi, mozzarella, or ricotta.

Can I make Knafeh ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure to reheat it before serving.

Can I freeze Knafeh?

Yes, you can freeze it before baking it. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Then store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and then bake it as instructed.

Can I use a different type of syrup for Knafeh?

Yes, you can use any type of syrup you like, such as honey syrup or maple syrup.

Can I skip the semolina in the dough?

No, the semolina is essential for creating a crispy and crunchy texture in the dough. Skipping it will result in a softer and chewier texture.

References

1. “The Arabian Nights Cookbook: From Lamb Kebabs to Baba Ghanouj, Delicious Homestyle Arabian Cooking” by Habeeb Salloum.
2. “Arabian Delights: Recipes & Princely Entertaining Ideas from the Arabian Peninsula” by Amy Riolo.
3. “The Complete Middle Eastern Cookbook” by Tess Mallos.
4. “Classic Lebanese Cuisine: 170 Fresh and Healthy Mediterranean Favorites” by Kamal Al-Faqih.
5. “The Food of Oman: Recipes and Stories from the Gateway to Arabia” by Felicia Campbell.
6. “The Lebanese Kitchen: Quick and Healthy Recipes” by Monique Bassila Zaarour.
7. “Persiana: Recipes from the Middle East & Beyond” by Sabrina Ghayour.
8. “The Jewelled Kitchen: A Stunning Collection of Lebanese, Moroccan and Persian Recipes” by Bethany Kehdy.
9. “Saha: A Chef’s Journey Through Lebanon and Syria” by Greg Malouf.
10. “The New Middle Eastern Vegetarian: Modern Recipes from Veggiestan” by Sally Butcher.
11. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knafeh