Middle eastern kunafa recipe with simple ingredients
Middle eastern kunafa recipe with simple ingredients is a medium Middle Eastern recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Lifestyle of a foodie on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 5 min
Cost: $18.39 total, $2.30 per serving
Ingredients
- 500 g Shredded Kataifi (shredded filo dough) (lightly toasted in the oven for 5 minutes to dry a little)
- 100 g Ghee (melted; Trader Joe's ghee used for accessibility)
- 150 g Granulated Sugar (for coating the kataifi)
- 300 g Mozzarella Cheese (soft mozzarella, shredded; can use low‑moisture mozzarella for less moisture)
- 240 ml Water (for syrup)
- 200 g Granulated Sugar (for syrup) (dissolved in water)
- 2 tbsp Orange Blossom Water (adds floral aroma to the syrup)
- 30 g Pistachios (finely chopped for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (180°C) and let it fully preheat while you prepare the syrup and dough.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Make Orange Blossom Syrup
In a saucepan combine 240 ml water and 200 g sugar. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar dissolves. Reduce heat and simmer for 8‑10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tbsp orange blossom water. Let cool to room temperature.
Time: PT12M
Prepare Kataifi Dough
Place the shredded kataifi in a large mixing bowl. Melt the ghee and drizzle over the kataifi. Add 150 g granulated sugar. Using your hands or a pastry brush, toss gently until the strands are evenly coated with ghee and sugar.
Time: PT8M
Assemble the Base
Lightly grease the round baking pan with a little melted ghee. Press half of the coated kataifi evenly into the pan, forming a compact layer about ½‑inch thick.
Time: PT3M
Add Cheese Filling
Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella over the kataifi base, leaving a small border around the edge.
Time: PT2M
Cover with Remaining Kataifi
Gently place the remaining kataifi on top of the cheese, pressing lightly to seal the edges.
Time: PT2M
Bake Kunafa
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25‑30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Add Syrup
Remove the kunafa from the oven. While it is still hot, slowly drizzle the cooled orange blossom syrup evenly over the surface. Let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb.
Time: PT5M
Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the top for color and crunch. Cut into wedges and serve warm.
Time: PT3M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 12 g
- Carbohydrates
- 45 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Shredded Kataifi (shredded filo dough): Phyllo dough torn into thin strips
- Instead of Ghee: Unsalted butter, melted
- Instead of Granulated Sugar: Caster sugar
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Akkawi cheese, Nabulsi cheese
- Instead of Granulated Sugar (for syrup): Coconut sugar
- Instead of Orange Blossom Water: Rose water (use half the amount)
- Instead of Pistachios: Almond slivers
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Pastry Brush
- Round Baking Pan
- Saucepan
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Coating the kataifi evenly with melted ghee and sugar
- Pressing the dough layers firmly to avoid gaps
- Baking until golden without over‑browning
- Drizzling the syrup while the kunafa is still hot
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality orange blossom water for authentic fragrance.
- If you prefer a richer flavor, substitute half of the ghee with clarified butter.
- For extra crunch, toast the pistachios lightly before sprinkling.
Troubleshooting
Kunafa is too soggy after adding syrup.
Use slightly less syrup or let the baked kunafa cool for 2‑3 minutes before drizzling. Ensure the syrup is at room temperature, not cold.
Cheese does not melt fully.
Increase oven temperature to 375°F for the last 5 minutes or cover the pan loosely with foil to trap steam.
Top layer is not golden.
Brush a thin layer of extra melted ghee on the top before the final 5 minutes of baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 5‑7 minutes.
Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as above.
Room temperature: Not recommended; the pastry will become soggy.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the orange blossom syrup a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator.
- The kataifi dough can be assembled and refrigerated (covered) for up to 4 hours before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Kunafa in Middle Eastern cuisine?
Kunafa is a beloved dessert across the Levant, Egypt, and the Arabian Gulf, traditionally served during Ramadan, weddings, and festive celebrations. Its origins trace back to the Ottoman era, where shredded pastry and sweet cheese were combined to create a luxurious treat.
What are the traditional regional variations of Kunafa in Middle Eastern cuisine?
In Palestine and Jordan, kunafa is often made with Akkawi cheese and a thin noodle‑like dough called kataifi. In Egypt, a softer version called "Kunafa Nabulsiyah" uses semolina crust. In Turkey, a similar dessert called "Künefe" uses a cheese called Hatay cheese and is served with clotted cream.
How is Kunafa traditionally served in the Levant region?
It is usually served hot, cut into diamond‑shaped pieces, drizzled with a fragrant sugar syrup, and garnished with crushed pistachios. It is often accompanied by Arabic coffee or tea.
What occasions or celebrations is Kunafa traditionally associated with in Middle Eastern culture?
Kunafa is a staple for Ramadan Iftar meals, Eid celebrations, weddings, and religious holidays like Mawlid. Its rich, sweet profile makes it a centerpiece dessert for special gatherings.
What makes this Mozzarella Kunafa unique compared to traditional cheese choices?
Using shredded mozzarella provides a melt‑in‑your‑mouth texture that is more readily available in Western grocery stores, while still delivering the stretchy, gooey quality of traditional Middle Eastern cheeses.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Mozzarella Kunafa at home?
Common errors include under‑coating the kataifi with ghee, which leads to a dry crust; over‑baking, which can burn the delicate strands; and adding cold syrup, which makes the pastry soggy. Follow the critical steps for even coating and proper syrup temperature.
Why does this recipe use orange blossom water in the syrup instead of rose water?
Orange blossom water offers a bright, citrus‑floral aroma that pairs beautifully with the buttery kataifi and mild mozzarella, while rose water can dominate the flavor profile. The choice reflects a common Gulf‑style kunafa preparation.
Can I make the Kunafa ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the kunafa up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Bake when ready, then drizzle with syrup. Leftovers keep in the fridge for 3 days and can be reheated in a 300°F oven.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Kunafa is done cooking?
The top should be a deep golden‑brown, crisp crust, while the interior remains soft and the cheese is fully melted and slightly bubbling. When cut, the layers should hold together without crumbling.
How do I know when the orange blossom syrup is ready?
The syrup is ready when it reaches a thin, honey‑like consistency after simmering for 8‑10 minutes and coats the back of a spoon. It should be cool to the touch before drizzling over the hot kunafa.
What does the YouTube channel Lifestyle of a Foodie specialize in?
The YouTube channel Lifestyle of a Foodie focuses on approachable home‑cooking tutorials, often adapting traditional world cuisines with ingredients that are easy to find in mainstream grocery stores.
How does the YouTube channel Lifestyle of a Foodie's approach to Middle Eastern cooking differ from other Middle Eastern cooking channels?
Lifestyle of a Foodie emphasizes simplicity and accessibility, swapping hard‑to‑find specialty items for common supermarket alternatives (like using mozzarella instead of traditional cheese) while still preserving authentic flavors and techniques.
What other Middle Eastern recipes is the YouTube channel Lifestyle of a Foodie known for?
The channel has popular videos on dishes such as Chicken Shawarma Bowls, Falafel with Tahini Sauce, and Baklava made with store‑bought phyllo, all presented with clear step‑by‑step instructions.
Last updated: September 4, 2026
