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Knaffa Recipe

Name: JASMINE SYRIAN FOODs Knaffa Recipe
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 500 g Knaffa dough (shredded phyllo pastry); 100 g Unsalted butter; 50 g Sugar; 300 ml Water; 1 tbs Rose water; 50 g Ground pistachios; 250 g Mozzarella cheese; 250 g Ricotta cheese; 30 g Sugar

Inspired by JASMINE SYRIAN FOOD

Time1h 30m

Serves8

Knaffa is a Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo pastry layered with cheese and soaked in a sweet syrup. This version incorporates creamy mozzarella and ricotta cheeses, creating a rich texture that contrasts with the crispy pastry, and is infused with aromatic rose water for a fragrant finish. Here's how to prepare it at home.

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Ingredients

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For the Knaffa Base

1 1/8 lb (500 g) Knaffa dough (shredded phyllo pastry)3 1/2 oz (100 g) Unsalted butter1 3/4 oz (50 g) sugar1 1/4 cup (300 ml) Water1 tbs Rose water1 3/4 oz (50 g) Ground pistachios

For the Cheese Filling

8.82 oz (250 g) Mozzarella cheese8.82 oz (250 g) Ricotta cheese1.06 oz (30 g) sugar

Method

Preparation of the Cheese Filling

Mix the Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine the mozzarella cheese and ricotta cheese. Add the sugar and mix well until fully combined. Set aside.

Preparation of the Knaffa Base

Prepare the Knaffa Dough

In a large bowl, loosen the knaffa dough with your hands, ensuring there are no clumps. This will allow for even baking.

Melt the Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, mix in the sugar until dissolved.

Combine Dough with Butter

Pour the melted butter mixture over the knaffa dough and mix thoroughly to ensure that all strands are coated.

Assembly and Baking

Layer the Knaffa

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a round baking dish with some melted butter. Spread half of the buttered knaffa dough evenly in the bottom of the dish.

Add the Cheese Filling

Spread the cheese filling evenly over the knaffa layer, making sure to cover it completely.

Top with Remaining Dough

Cover the cheese filling with the remaining knaffa dough, pressing down gently to compact it.

Bake the Knaffa

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Final Steps

Prepare the Syrup

While the knaffa is baking, combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and let simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir in the rose water and remove from heat.

Serve

Once the knaffa is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the syrup over the hot knaffa. Let it sit for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Garnish with ground pistachios.