Kunafa is more than just a sweet treat; people celebrate this kunafa dessert for its rich history and a taste that captures the essence of the Middle East. Often a centerpiece during celebrations, family gatherings, and holy months like Ramadan, the combination of crisp pastry, gooey cheese, and sweet syrup offers an unforgettable culinary experience. This guide will take you through the origins, common varieties, and even show you how to make konafa yourself.
The History of Kunafa: A Dessert for Caliphs
The History of kunafa is as rich and sweet as the dessert itself. Many historical accounts trace its origins to the Fatimid Caliphate in Egypt, where a caliph created it in the 10th century to satisfy his intense hunger during Ramadan. A 13th-century anonymous Arabic cookbook, Kitab al tabikh fi-l-Maghrib wa-l-Andalus, provides early recipes for it, describing a thin, pancake-like version. Over the centuries, its preparation evolved to include the delicate, hair-like pastry strings we know today. The Palestinian city of Nablus especially identifies with Kunafa, considering it a “cultural touchstone for Palestinian identity” that they have perfected over generations.
Common Kunafa Variants
While the classic cheese-filled kunafa is the most famous, this beloved dessert comes in many delicious forms. Here are some of the most popular Common variants:
- Knafeh Nabulseyeh: The most traditional and iconic version, which originates from the Palestinian city of Nablus. This variant uses a special, firm, and stretchy Nabulsi cheese, known for its mild saltiness. The pastry gets its vibrant orange from food coloring and you serve it hot, soaked in sweet syrup.
- Knafeh Ghazawiya: Unique to the Gaza Strip in Palestine, this variant distinguishes itself by replacing the cheese with a rich filling of nuts and spices, including nutmeg and cinnamon. It offers a distinct nutty and aromatic flavor profile.
- Künefe (Hatay, Turkey): A Turkish take on the dessert, this version from Turkey’s Hatay Province uses a local, unsalted, stringy cheese similar to mozzarella. People love it on the streets of Hatay and typically serve it with a generous coating of syrup made from sugar, water, and lemon juice.
- Sandwiched knafeh: This popular street food is a testament to the dessert’s versatility. In Lebanon, people often serve it inside a special sesame-coated bread (kaak), while in Nablus, locals enjoy it for breakfast sandwiched inside a pita. The bread absorbs the syrup, making a delicious and easy-to-eat treat.
- Dubai chocolate: A recent and viral sensation, a Dubai-based company, Fix Dessert, created this chocolate bar, filling it with a crunchy mixture of kunafa pastry and creamy pistachio spread.
Ingredients & How to Make Kunafa
Making kunafa at home is easier than you think. With the right Ingredients needed and a few simple steps, you can create this traditional kunafa dessert in your own kitchen.
Ingredients:
- Kataifi (shredded phyllo dough)
- Ghee or clarified butter (essential for a rich flavor)
- Sweet cheese (Nabulsi or Akkawi, which requires desalination) or a substitute like fresh full-fat mozzarella, ricotta, or Queso Fresco.
- Sugar, water, and rosewater extract for the syrup
- Finely chopped pistachios for garnish
How to make knafeh?
- Prepare the Syrup: In a pot, combine sugar, water, and a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent crystallization. Boil for a few minutes until the sugar dissolves. Let it cool down to room temperature.
- Prepare the Cheese: If using a salty cheese like Akkawi, you must soak it in cold water for several hours, changing the water frequently to remove the salt. For mozzarella or other fresh cheeses, slice and press them between paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the Pastry: Shred the Kataifi pastry into 1-3 inch strands. In a large bowl, mix the melted ghee with the pastry, rubbing it thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated. For a classic look, you can add a little orange food coloring at this stage.
- Layer the Knafeh: Generously brush your pan with melted ghee. Spread half of the Kataifi mixture evenly across the bottom, pressing it down very firmly with your hands or the bottom of a glass to create a compact, solid base.
- Add the Cheese: Evenly distribute your prepared cheese over the base layer, leaving a small border around the edge to prevent it from oozing out. Cover it with the remaining Kataifi, pressing down again firmly.
- Bake the Knafeh: What pan to bake knafeh in? A traditional round pan works best, but a cast-iron skillet or even a 9×13 inch baking dish works perfectly. Bake in a preheated oven at 450°F (230°C) for 20-25 minutes. The kunafa is ready when the edges and bottom are golden and crispy, and it begins to pull away from the sides of the pan.
- Serve: This step is critical! Carefully turn the hot kunafa onto a serving plate. Drench it generously with the cooled syrup. The sizzle and aroma are part of the experience! Garnish with finely chopped pistachios, slice, and serve immediately while the cheese is still hot and molten.
Where to Find and How to Order the Best Kunafa
If you prefer to leave the cooking to the experts, you can find the best kunafa in famous places like Kunafa Habiba in Downtown Amman, Jordan. The experience is part of the tradition: you join a long line that moves surprisingly fast, a testament to the high demand.
How to Order at Kunafa:
- Get in line at the serving booth.
- You must choose between two types: Na’ameh (smooth, made with finely ground dough) and Khishnah (rough, with longer strands of dough).
- Order by weight from the cashier at the front of the line. The smallest portion is typically a quarter kilogram.
- Once you receive your receipt, proceed inside to the servers, who will hand you a steaming hot, fresh piece of kunafa. You can enjoy it while standing on the steps or ledges outside, just like the locals do.
Conclusion
Whether you make it at home or try it from a famous shop, kunafa offers a sweet experience that connects you to the rich culinary traditions of the Arab world. To deepen your connection and learn the language behind the culture, you can use a dedicated app like the Kaleela app.