Imtiaz Writes

Kunafa (Knafeh Dessert)

Ingredients:
• 200 g kataifi dough (kunafa shredded dough)
• 100 g unsalted butter, melted
• 200 g mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp crushed pistachios (for topping)

Sugar Syrup

• 1 cup sugar
• ½ cup water
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp rose water (optional)

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round baking dish with a little melted butter.

2. In a bowl, gently separate the kataifi dough and mix it with the melted butter.

3. Spread half of the buttered kataifi dough in the baking dish and press it down lightly.

4. Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the dough.

5. Cover the cheese with the remaining kataifi dough and press gently.

6. Bake for 30–35 minutes until the top becomes golden and crispy.

7. Meanwhile, make the sugar syrup by boiling sugar and water for 5 minutes. Add lemon juice and rose water, then let it cool.

8. Pour the syrup over the hot kunafa and sprinkle crushed pistachios on top.

9. Slice and serve warm.