Indulge in the decadent flavors of Israel with this traditional dessert, Knafeh. Layers of shredded phyllo dough are filled with a rich cheese mixture and baked to golden perfection. Drizzled with a sweet sugar syrup, each bite is a delightful balance of sweet and savory. Perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring as a special treat, this dish is sure to become a favorite.
Here's a recipe for Knafeh, a delicious sweet and cheesy pastry from Israel:
Ingredients:
For the sugar syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional)
For the knafeh:
- 1 pound kataifi (shredded phyllo dough), thawed if frozen
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups ricotta cheese or Nabulsi cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup chopped pistachios, for garnish
Instructions:
1- To make the sugar syrup, combine water, sugar, and lemon juice in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in orange blossom water. Set aside to cool.
2- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
3- Place the kataifi in a large bowl and separate the strands with your fingers. Pour the melted butter over the kataifi and toss to coat evenly.
4- In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and sugar.
5- Spread half of the buttered kataifi in the prepared baking dish, pressing down gently to form a crust. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the kataifi crust. Top with the remaining kataifi, pressing down gently.
6- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the kataifi is golden brown and crispy.
7- Remove from the oven and immediately pour the cooled sugar syrup over the hot knafeh. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
8- Sprinkle chopped pistachios over the knafeh and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your delicious Israel Knafeh!
Nutritional Values :
Here are approximate nutritional values for the main ingredients in the Knafeh recipe:
1 cup water:
- Calories: 0
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits: Essential for hydration and digestion.
1 cup sugar:
- Calories: 387
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 100g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits: Adds sweetness; provides a quick source of energy.
1 tablespoon lemon juice:
- Calories: 4
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits: Rich in vitamin C; supports immune function and adds flavor.
1/2 teaspoon orange blossom water (optional):
- Calories: 0
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits: Adds floral aroma; minimal nutritional impact.
For the knafeh:
1 pound kataifi (shredded phyllo dough), thawed if frozen:
- Calories: 1,360 (approx. 136 calories per 1/4 pound)
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 240g
- Protein: 24g
Benefits: Provides a crispy texture; source of carbohydrates.
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted:
- Calories: 1,627
- Fat: 184g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 2g
Benefits: Rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K; provides fatty acids.
2 cups ricotta cheese or Nabulsi cheese, crumbled:
- Calories: 640 (ricotta, approx. 320 calories per cup)
- Fat: 48g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 36g
Benefits: Provides calcium and protein; high in vitamins A and B12.
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 24g
Benefits: Good source of calcium and protein; provides vitamins A and B12.
1/4 cup sugar:
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates 50g
- Protein: 0g
Benefits: Adds sweetness; provides quick energy.
1/2 cup chopped pistachios, for garnish:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 8g
Benefits: Provides healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals; rich in antioxidants.
Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used.
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