Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Jordan with this delectable dessert known as Kanafeh. Delicately crafted from thin noodle-like pastry, this golden treat is soaked in a luscious sweet syrup, layered with a rich filling of cheese or cream, and baked to perfection. With each bite, experience a symphony of textures and flavors that epitomize the essence of Middle Eastern culinary delights. Treat yourself to a taste of Jordanian tradition with every heavenly mouthful of Kanafeh.

Ingredients:

For the Kanafeh:

 - 450g (1 lb) kadaifi or shredded phyllo dough

 - 225g (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted

 - 250g (about 9 oz) unsalted cheese (such as Akkawi or mozzarella), shredded

 - 250g (1 cup) ricotta cheese or cream cheese

 - 1 cup simple syrup (made by boiling equal parts water and sugar until dissolved)

 - Crushed pistachios or almonds for garnish (optional)

For the Simple Syrup:

 - 1 cup water

 - 1 cup granulated sugar

 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

 - 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

2- Begin by preparing the simple syrup. In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and rose water if using. Set aside to cool.

3- Prepare the filling by mixing together the shredded unsalted cheese and ricotta cheese or cream cheese in a bowl. Set aside.

4- Place the kadaifi or shredded phyllo dough in a large bowl. Using your fingers, gently separate the strands to loosen them.

5- Pour the melted butter over the kadaifi or shredded phyllo dough and toss gently to coat evenly.

6- Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread half of the kadaifi or shredded phyllo dough evenly on the bottom of the dish, pressing down gently.

7- Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the kadaifi or shredded phyllo dough layer.

8- Cover the cheese mixture with the remaining kadaifi or shredded phyllo dough, pressing down gently.

9- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes or until the kanafeh is golden brown and crispy.

10- Once baked, remove the kanafeh from the oven and immediately pour the prepared simple syrup evenly over the hot kanafeh.

11- Allow the kanafeh to cool for a few minutes before cutting into squares or diamonds.

12- Serve warm, garnished with crushed pistachios or almonds if desired. Enjoy your delicious Jordanian Kanafeh!

Nutritional Values :

Here’s the nutritional breakdown and benefits for the ingredients in your Kanafeh recipe:

For the Dough and Filling:

Kadaifi or Shredded Phyllo Dough (450g):

  - Nutritional Values:

   - Calories: Approximately 1700

   - Fat: 90 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 210 grams

   - Protein: 30 grams

Benefits:Provides a crispy and crunchy texture. High in carbohydrates, contributing to energy levels.

Unsalted Butter (225g, melted):

  - Nutritional Values:

   - Calories: Approximately 1620

   - Fat: 180 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

   - Protein: 1 gram

Benefits:Adds richness and flavor. Provides healthy fats but should be used in moderation due to high calorie and fat content.

Unsalted Cheese (250g, shredded):

  - Nutritional Values:

   - Calories: Approximately 800

   - Fat: 60 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 2 grams

   - Protein: 50 grams

Benefits:Rich in protein and calcium. Supports bone health and adds creaminess.

Ricotta Cheese or Cream Cheese (250g):

Ricotta Cheese:

    - Calories: Approximately 300

    - Fat: 22 grams

    - Carbohydrates: 8 grams

    - Protein: 15 grams

Cream Cheese:

    - Calories: Approximately 900

    - Fat: 90 grams

    - Carbohydrates: 6 grams

    - Protein: 5 grams

Benefits:Adds creaminess and richness. Ricotta provides protein and calcium, while cream cheese is higher in fat and calories.

Simple Syrup (1 cup):

  - Nutritional Values:

   - Calories: Approximately 775

   - Fat: 0 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 200 grams

   - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits:Adds sweetness and helps achieve the sticky texture of Kanafeh. High in sugar and should be consumed in moderation.

Crushed Pistachios or Almonds (for garnish, optional):

  - Nutritional Values (100g):

Pistachios:

    - Calories: Approximately 560

    - Fat: 45 grams

    - Carbohydrates: 28 grams

    - Protein: 20 grams

Almonds:

    - Calories: Approximately 575

    - Fat: 50 grams

    - Carbohydrates: 22 grams

    - Protein: 21 grams

Benefits:Provides healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. Adds a crunchy texture and enhances flavor.

For the Simple Syrup:

Water (1 cup):

  - Nutritional Values:

   - Calories: 0

   - Fat: 0 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 0 grams

   - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits:Used as a base for the syrup, does not contribute calories or nutrients.

Granulated Sugar (1 cup):

  - Nutritional Values:

   - Calories: Approximately 775

   - Fat: 0 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 200 grams

   - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits:Adds sweetness but is high in calories and should be consumed in moderation.

Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon):

  - Nutritional Values:

   - Calories: Approximately 4

   - Fat: 0 grams

   - Carbohydrates: 1 gram

   - Protein: 0 grams

Benefits:Adds a tangy flavor and vitamin C, supports immune function.

Rose Water (1 teaspoon, optional):

  - Nutritional Values:

   - Negligible

Benefits:Adds aromatic flavor and may have antioxidant properties.

It's important to note that the nutritional values provided are for the entire recipe. To determine the nutritional values per serving, you would need to divide these totals by the number of servings you plan to make. Additionally, the nutritional information may vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.