Degchi
Shredded pastry packed over melted sweet cheese, baked until the top is golden and crisp, then flipped and drenched in rose-scented sugar syrup. A showstopper dessert for Ramadan and celebrations, best eaten warm with the cheese still stretchy.
Quick answer: 55 min in total · serves 4 · main ingredients: Shredded kunafa pastry (kataifi), Cheese, Butter, Sugar · amounts in metric and US
Ingredients
- 400 g 14 oz Shredded kunafa pastry (kataifi)
- 300 g 10.5 oz Cheese, mild, low-salt mozzarella-style cheese
- 100 g 7 tbsp Butter, melted
- 200 g 1 cup Sugar
- 1 tsp 1 tsp Rose water
- 2 tbsp 2 tbsp Dry fruits, crushed pistachios, for garnish (Optional)
- 1 tsp 1 tsp Lemon (Optional)
Steps
Timers run only while this tab is open. The Degchi app keeps them running on a locked phone.
- Pull the kunafa pastry into fine strands, separating any clumps, then rub in the melted butter until every strand is coated.
- Make the syrup: boil the sugar with 120 ml (half a cup) of water plus a squeeze of lemon for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly thick, add the rose water and let it cool completely.⏱ Making syrup · 10 min
- Press two-thirds of the buttered pastry firmly into a round baking pan to form the base.
- Pat the cheese dry with paper towels, scatter it evenly over the base, then cover with the remaining pastry and press down firmly.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C (375°F) for about 30 minutes until deep golden.⏱ Baking · 30 min
- Run a knife around the edge, place a serving platter on top and flip the pan over.
- Straight away, pour the cooled syrup over the hot kunafa so it soaks in while the top stays crisp.
- Scatter crushed pistachios on top and serve warm.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Kunafa take to make?
Kunafa takes about 55 minutes in total. That is about 20 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of cooking.
How many people does this Kunafa recipe serve?
This version serves 4. The Degchi app has a servings scaler if you need more or fewer portions.
What ingredients do I need for Kunafa?
You need Shredded kunafa pastry (kataifi), Cheese, Butter, Sugar, Rose water. Optional: Dry fruits, Lemon.
Is Kunafa difficult?
Degchi rates it Hard, with 8 steps in the method; steps that need timing have a built-in timer in cook mode.
Is Kunafa halal, vegetarian or eggless?
It is marked halal in our recipe data. It is vegetarian. It has no egg. It has no beef. Check the labels on any packaged ingredients for your own needs.
What will I probably need to buy for Kunafa?
Fresh items you will probably need to buy: cheese, butter. Lentils, grains and other dry goods: shredded kunafa pastry (kataifi), sugar, rose water.
Any tips for making Kunafa?
Cool syrup on hot kunafa is the key: the pastry soaks it up yet stays crisp. Hot syrup on warm kunafa turns it soggy. Dry the cheese well and use a mild, melting one such as mozzarella or soaked akkawi; wet or very salty cheese makes the filling watery.
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