Kunafa Eid Dessert

Kunafa is a popular Middle Eastern dessert often enjoyed during special occasions like Eid. It is made with a base of shredded or vermicelli-like pastry dough, filled with a creamy cheese or sweet semolina mixture, and typically soaked in a fragrant syrup. Here's a recipe for Kunafa:

Ingredients:

For the Kunafa pastry:

• 1 pound (450g) kunafa pastry dough or shredded phyllo dough (kataifi)
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

For the cheese filling:

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional)

For the sugar syrup:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon orange blossom water (optional)

For garnish:

• Ground pistachios or slivered almonds
• Rose water (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the sugar syrup by combining the sugar, water, lemon juice, and orange blossom water (if using) in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the syrup slightly thickens. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese, ricotta cheese, milk, sugar, and orange blossom water (if using). Mix well until you have a creamy cheese filling.
4. In a separate bowl, gently separate the kunafa pastry strands or vermicelli-like dough. Pour the melted butter over the strands and toss them together until evenly coated.
5. Take half of the buttered kunafa pastry and spread it evenly over the bottom of the prepared baking dish, pressing it down lightly to form a crust.
6. Spoon the cheese filling over the kunafa crust and spread it evenly.
7. Cover the cheese filling with the remaining buttered kunafa pastry, gently pressing it down.
8. Bake the kunafa in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and crisp.
9. Once baked, remove the kunafa from the oven and immediately pour the cooled sugar syrup evenly over the hot pastry. Allow the kunafa to absorb the syrup for at least 15-20 minutes.
10. Sprinkle ground pistachios or slivered almonds over the kunafa for garnish. You can also drizzle a little rose water over the top if desired.
11. Serve the kunafa warm or at room temperature, allowing it to cool slightly before cutting into squares or diamond shapes.

Kunafa is best enjoyed fresh and warm. The combination of crispy pastry, creamy cheese filling, and fragrant syrup makes it a delectable and indulgent dessert for Eid or any special occasion.