Künefe
Veg
Shredded wheat pastry encasing soft, stretchy cheese baked in a copper pan, drenched in sugar syrup and scattered with crushed pistachios — served piping hot.
Cuisines
Turkish
Best for
Breakfast
Snacks
Dinner
Recipe
Prep: 15 min
Cook: 20 min
Total: 35 min
2-3 servings
Ingredients
| 150 g | kadayif (shredded phyllo dough) |
| 75 g | unsalted butter |
| 100 g | mozzarella cheese |
| 100 g | unsalted cheese (like Hatay cheese or fresh mozzarella) |
| 1 cup | granulated sugar |
| 1 cup | water |
| 1 teaspoon | lemon juice |
| — | crushed pistachios for garnish |
Instructions
- 1 Start by preparing the syrup: combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.
- 2 Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Set aside to cool.
- 3 Melt the butter in a small pan.
- 4 Place the kadayif in a large bowl and pour the melted butter over it. Mix well to ensure all the strands are coated.
- 5 Divide the kadayif into two equal portions.
- 6 Spread one portion of the kadayif evenly in a small, non-stick pan.
- 7 Distribute the cheese evenly over the kadayif layer.
- 8 Cover the cheese with the remaining kadayif, pressing down gently.
- 9 Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the bottom is golden brown.
- 10 Carefully flip the künefe using a plate and cook the other side for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
- 11 Once cooked, pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot künefe.
- 12 Let it rest for a few minutes to absorb the syrup.
- 13 Garnish with crushed pistachios before serving.
Tips
For a richer flavor, you can add a bit of rose water or orange blossom water to the syrup.