Kanafa

Kanafa, a Middle Eastern pastry, is a delightful blend of crispy layers and creamy cheese filling, drenched in fragrant simple syrup. This indulgence pairs beautifully with a cup of black coffee, making it the perfect treat for special occasions or simply to satisfy a craving.

Ingredients

For the Kanafa:
❄️ 1/2 package of Kanafa dough
🧈 1 stick of unsalted butter, melted
🧀 Fresh mozzarella cheese or sweet cheese ‏جبنة حلوة
🟠 1/2 tablespoon Kanafa pastry coloring (optional, for desired brightness)

For the Simple Syrup:
🍬 2 cups of sugar
💧 1 cup of water
🍋 1/4 teaspoon of lemon juice

Instructions

1- Prepare the Simple Syrup:

• In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool.

2- Prepare the Kanafa Dough:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Crush the frozen Kanafa dough by hand while still frozen for a fine texture.
• In a large bowl, mix the melted butter and kanafa pastry coloring (if using). Make sure to wear gloves if using coloring to avoid staining your hands.
• Add the crushed Kanafa dough to the butter mixture and mix well to coat evenly.

3- Assemble the Kanafa:

• Thoroughly butter a small baking pan with an additional tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
• Take half of the buttered Kanafa dough and firmly press it into the bottom of the pan to form an even layer.
• Sprinkle or place the cheese evenly over the dough layer. Use either one or both types of cheese as desired.
• Top with the remaining Kanafa dough, pressing gently to create a top layer.

4- Bake the Kanafa:

• Place the assembled Kanafa in the preheated oven.
• Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted.

5- Final Touch:

• As soon as the Kanafa is out of the oven, pour the prepared simple syrup over the top, allowing it to soak into the pastry.

6- Serve:

• Let it cool slightly before slicing and serve with a hot cup of black coffee for a traditional experience.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: Approx. 450
Nutritional Info per Serving: Protein 10g, Fat 25g, Carbohydrates 50g
Equipment: Oven, saucepan, mixing bowl, baking pan, gloves (for coloring)

Cooking Tips

• For an authentic flavor, you can also add a pinch of rose or orange blossom water to the simple syrup.
• Avoid over-baking to prevent drying out the Kanafa.
• Serve immediately for best texture; reheating may change the consistency.

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YouTube channel - EmanInTheKitchen: https://www.youtube.com/@EmanInTheKitchen

Kanefa