YT Recipe

How to Make Knafeh

How to Make Knafeh is a medium Palestinian recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by GoldenGully on YouTube.

Prep: 22 min | Cook: 24 min | Total: 56 min

Cost: $14.30 total, $2.38 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup Clarified Butter (melted, for greasing the tray)
  • 2 drops Orange Food Coloring (optional, for traditional orange hue)
  • 500 g Kunafa Dough (Shredded Kataifi) (shredded pastry-like dough)
  • 400 g Fresh Mozzarella Cheese (shredded or sliced, substitute for Nabulsi cheese)
  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar (for simple syrup)
  • 1/2 cup Water (for simple syrup)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (adds brightness to syrup)
  • 1/4 cup Pistachios (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Make Simple Syrup

    Combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: medium heat

  2. Grease Tray

    Melt clarified butter and brush it evenly over the bottom of the baking tray, covering the entire surface.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Add Kunafa Dough

    Spread the shredded kunafa dough over the buttered tray, pressing gently to form an even, compact layer.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add Cheese

    Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella over the dough layer, pressing lightly so it adheres.

    Time: PT3M

  5. Cook First Side

    Place the tray (or skillet) on the stovetop over low‑medium heat. Cook for about 15 minutes, rotating the tray occasionally. The bottom is ready when it turns golden and you hear a crisp sound when poked.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: low‑medium heat

  6. Flip Kunafa

    Carefully slide a large plate over the kunafa, invert it onto the plate, then slide it back into the pan to cook the other side.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Cook Second Side

    Cook the flipped side for another 5 minutes until both sides are golden and the cheese is fully melted.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: low‑medium heat

  8. Drizzle Syrup and Garnish

    Remove the kunafa from heat. While still hot, drizzle the warm simple syrup evenly over the surface, then sprinkle chopped pistachios on top.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
10 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
15 g
Fiber
1 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Tree nuts

Last updated: April 21, 2026

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How to Make Knafeh

Recipe by GoldenGully

A classic Palestinian dessert featuring shredded kataifi dough, melted mozzarella (as a substitute for traditional Nabulsi cheese), crisp buttered crust, and a fragrant simple syrup, finished with chopped pistachios.

MediumPalestinianServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
12m
Prep
32m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
54m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$14.30
Total cost
$2.38
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • • Greasing the tray with clarified butter
  • • Spreading kunafa dough evenly
  • • Cooking the first side until crisp
  • • Flipping kunafa without breaking
  • • Drizzling syrup while the pastry is hot

Safety Warnings

  • • The clarified butter and pan will be very hot; use oven mitts.
  • • Simple syrup is boiling hot; handle with care to avoid burns.
  • • When flipping, keep fingers away from the hot surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Kunafa in Palestinian cuisine?

A

Kunafa is a beloved Palestinian dessert that dates back centuries, originally created in the city of Nablus. It is traditionally served during holidays, weddings, and Ramadan, symbolizing hospitality and celebration.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Kunafa in the Levant?

A

In the Levant, variations include cheese‑filled Kunafa (as shown here), sweet cream‑filled (Kunafa Nabulsiyye), and the nut‑topped version from Jordan. Each region tweaks the cheese type, syrup flavor, and garnish.

cultural
Q

How is authentic Palestinian Kunafa traditionally served and presented?

A

Authentic Palestinian Kunafa is served hot, cut into diamond‑shaped pieces, drizzled with fragrant sugar syrup, and topped with a generous sprinkle of crushed pistachios. It is often presented on a large communal platter.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Kunafa traditionally enjoyed in Palestine?

A

Kunafa is a staple at weddings, Eid al‑Fitr, Ramadan evenings (Iftar), and family gatherings. Its sweet richness makes it a festive centerpiece for special occasions.

cultural
Q

How does Kunafa fit into the broader Middle Eastern dessert tradition?

A

Kunafa belongs to the family of syrup‑soaked pastries that include baklava and basbousa. Its unique combination of crispy shredded dough, melted cheese, and aromatic syrup showcases the Middle Eastern love for texture contrast and sweet‑savory balance.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Palestinian Kunafa versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include kataifi (shredded phyllo) dough, Nabulsi or Akkawi cheese, clarified butter (samna), and a simple syrup flavored with lemon. Acceptable substitutes are shredded phyllo for kataifi, fresh mozzarella for the cheese, and regular unsalted butter in place of clarified butter.

cultural
Q

What other Palestinian dishes pair well with Kunafa?

A

Kunafa pairs beautifully with a cup of strong Arabic coffee or mint tea. Savory companions like Musakhan, Maqluba, or a fresh fattoush salad provide a balanced meal before the sweet finish.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Kunafa at home?

A

Common mistakes include using too high heat, which burns the crust; under‑greasing the tray, leading to sticking; and adding too much syrup, which makes the pastry soggy. Follow the low‑medium heat guideline and drizzle syrup while warm, not boiling.

technical
Q

Why does this Kunafa recipe use a stovetop method instead of baking in an oven?

A

The stovetop method gives cooks direct control over the crispness of each side and mimics the traditional pan‑cooked technique used in Palestinian kunafa shops. It also allows quick flipping without an oven‑safe dish.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel GoldenGully specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel GoldenGully focuses on Middle Eastern home cooking, showcasing authentic recipes, technique tutorials, and cultural food stories, with a particular emphasis on Palestinian and Levantine dishes.

channel
More like this:Palestinian RecipesDessert RecipesMore by GoldenGully

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