Iftar Recipes

Kunafa, also known as Kataifi, is a a traditional Arabian dessert that is a must try for everyone!

Servings: 8-10

INGREDIENTS

For Kunafa:

• 1 lb kunafa pastry dough (can be found in middle eastern, arab or greek grocery stores)
• 1⁄2 lb butter, melted
• 1⁄4 cup blanched whole almond
• butter, for buttering the pan (as needed)

For Syrup:

• 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1⁄2   lemon (juice form)
• 1⁄2 tsp rose wateror 1⁄2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

For Filling: (You can use any one)

Dry Fruit Filling

• 1⁄2 cup golden raisin
• 2cups walnuts, coarsely chopped (or 2 1/2 cups pistachios and omit raisins)
• 2 1⁄2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

Ricotta Cheese Filling

• 1lb soft ricotta cheese 

Mozzarella Cheese Filling

• 600 gms/1lb 3oz mozzarella cheese, shredded or cut into small pieces
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar (omit if your cheese does not taste salty)
• 2 tsp orange blossom water
• 1 tsp rose water

DIRECTIONS

1. In a heavy bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat, add water, the 1 1/2 cups sugar and lemon juice. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Let simmer to a syrupy consistency. 
2. Remove from heat, let cool and add rosewater or vanilla.
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F/180 degrees Celsius Butter a 12-inch round, 2-inch high cake pan.
4. In a large bowl gently loosen kunafa. Mix very well with the 1/2 pound of melted butter.
5. Place blanched almonds in a decorative pattern in the cake pan. Cover with half of the kunafa. Press down lightly.
6. Spread the selected filling mixture in an even layer over kunafa, then cover with the remaining half of the kunafa. Press down gently.
7. Bake until lightly golden, about 30 to 45 minutes. (Note: the reverse side will be more golden when you turn it out.)
8. Immediately pour cold sugar syrup evenly over the hot kunafa. Let cool completely to room temperature. 
9. If using the ricotta or mozerella cheese filling, kunafa should be served warm or hot.
10. Invert onto serving plate. Your Kunafa is ready!