Discover the authentic Knafeh recipe, a delightful Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough and creamy cheese, all drenched in a sweet, aromatic syrup. Perfect for special occasions or a sweet treat, this step-by-step guide will help you create a delectable and irresistible Knafeh right in your own kitchen. Ideal for impressing family and friends with a classic and beloved dessert.

Ingredients:

For the Knafeh:

 - 500 grams shredded phyllo dough (kataifi)

 - 200 grams unsalted cheese (e.g., mozzarella or Akkawi), shredded

 - 100 grams unsalted butter, melted

 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Syrup:

 - 1 cup granulated sugar

 - 1 cup water

 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

 - 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Syrup:

 - In a saucepan, combine the sugar and water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.

 - Add the lemon juice and reduce the heat. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, or until slightly thickened.

 - Remove from heat and stir in the rose water or orange blossom water if using. Let it cool.

Prepare the Knafeh:

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

 - In a large bowl, mix the shredded phyllo dough with melted butter until evenly coated.

 - Spread half of the buttered phyllo dough evenly in the bottom of a greased baking dish (about 9x13 inches).

 - Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the phyllo layer.

 - Top with the remaining phyllo dough, pressing down gently.

 - If desired, sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top layer.

 - Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Assemble and Serve:

 - Remove the Knafeh from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot Knafeh.

 - Allow it to soak for about 15 minutes before serving.

 - Cut into squares or slices and serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your homemade Knafeh, a luscious and sweet Middle Eastern treat that's sure to be a hit!

Nutritional values

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the ingredients and their nutritional information for Knafeh:

For the Knafeh:

Shredded Phyllo Dough (Kataifi) - 500 grams

 - Calories: 1,100

 - Fat: 50g

 - Carbohydrates: 150g

 - Protein: 20g

Benefits:

 - Provides a light and crispy texture to the dessert.

 - Source of carbohydrates and minimal protein.

Unsalted Cheese (e.g., Mozzarella or Akkawi) - 200 grams

 - Calories: 600

 - Fat: 40g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 50g

Benefits:

 - Adds richness and creaminess to the dessert.

 - High in protein and calcium.

Unsalted Butter - 100 grams (melted)

 - Calories: 717

 - Fat: 81g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits:

 - Contributes to the crispiness and flavor.

 - Source of fat and calories.

Ground Cinnamon (optional) - 1 teaspoon

 - Calories: 6

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a warm, aromatic flavor.

 - Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.

For the Syrup:

Granulated Sugar - 1 cup

 - Calories: 774

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 200g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Provides sweetness and enhances flavor.

 - Should be used in moderation due to high calorie content.

Water - 1 cup

 - Calories: 0

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Essential for dissolving the sugar and forming the syrup.

Lemon Juice - 1 tablespoon

 - Calories: 4

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.

 - Provides vitamin C and antioxidants.

Rose Water or Orange Blossom Water (optional) - 1 teaspoon

 - Calories: 0 (minimal)

 - Fat: 0g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds a floral aroma and enhances the dessert’s flavor profile.

 - Minimal calories and contributes to the sensory experience.

This Knafeh recipe uses shredded phyllo dough to create a crispy base, combined with unsalted cheese for richness and unsalted butter for flavor. Optional ground cinnamon adds warmth. The syrup, made from granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, and optional rose or orange blossom water, provides sweetness and enhances the overall taste.