Kunafa is a beloved Middle Eastern dessert featuring thin, noodle-like pastry soaked in sweet syrup and layered with creamy cheese or cream. Its origins trace back to the Levant region, particularly Palestine, where it was traditionally made during festive occasions and celebrations. Over time, kunafa has gained popularity across the Middle East and beyond, delighting dessert lovers with its unique blend of textures and flavors. Today, it is enjoyed worldwide as a delicious treat that embodies the rich culinary heritage of the region.

Ingredients:

- 1 package (16 oz) of kataifi (shredded phyllo dough)

- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 1 pound ricotta cheese or mozzarella, shredded

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

- Crushed pistachios or almonds for garnish (optional)

Method:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a large bowl, gently separate the kataifi strands.

3. Pour the melted butter over the kataifi and toss gently to coat evenly.

4. Press half of the buttered kataifi into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form a bottom crust.

5. Spread the shredded cheese evenly over the kataifi crust.

6. Cover the cheese with the remaining buttered kataifi, forming a top crust.

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

8. Remove from the oven and immediately pour the simple syrup evenly over the hot kunafa.

9. Allow the kunafa to cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares or diamonds.

10. Garnish with crushed pistachios or almonds if desired, and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious homemade kunafa!

Nutrition Value:

1. Kataifi (shredded phyllo dough):

  - Calories: Approximately 220 calories per 1 oz serving

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 25g per 1 oz serving

  - Protein: Approximately 4g per 1 oz serving

  - Fat: Approximately 12g per 1 oz serving

  - Sodium: Varies based on brand, generally low

  - Cholesterol: Varies based on brand, generally low

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides carbohydrates for energy and a small amount of protein, but is high in fat due to the butter content. Contains minimal vitamins and minerals.

2. Unsalted butter, melted:

  - Calories: Approximately 200 calories per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: Approximately 22g per tablespoon

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 30mg per tablespoon

  - Nutritional Benefit: High in saturated fat and calories, butter adds richness and flavor to the dish. Contains small amounts of fat-soluble vitamins like vitamin A, E, and K.

3. Ricotta cheese or mozzarella, shredded:

  - Calories: Approximately 80-100 calories per 1 oz serving (depending on type)

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 1-2g per 1 oz serving

  - Protein: Approximately 6-7g per 1 oz serving

  - Fat: Approximately 5-8g per 1 oz serving

  - Sodium: Approximately 80-200mg per 1 oz serving

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 20-30mg per 1 oz serving

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides protein and calcium, essential for bone health. Ricotta is also a good source of vitamin A and mozzarella contains vitamin B12.

4. Simple syrup (made by boiling equal parts sugar and water until sugar dissolves):

  - Calories: Approximately 50-60 calories per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 15g per tablespoon

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Nutritional Benefit: Provides sweetness to the dish but lacks significant nutritional value. Should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content.

5. Crushed pistachios or almonds for garnish (optional):

  - Calories: Approximately 160-170 calories per 1 oz serving (depending on nut)

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-6g per 1 oz serving

  - Protein: Approximately 6-7g per 1 oz serving

  - Fat: Approximately 13-15g per 1 oz serving

  - Sodium: Varies (minimal)

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Nutritional Benefit: Nuts are high in healthy fats, protein, and various vitamins and minerals such as vitamin E, magnesium, and phosphorus. They add texture and flavor to the dish and offer potential health benefits when consumed in moderation.