Egyptian Vegetarian Feta Cheese Kunafa

Allergens

Dairy (Feta Cheese)

Ingredients

• 12 oz feta cheese
• 16 oz kataifi dough (shredded pastry)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon rosewater or orange blossom water

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cut the feta cheese into cubes and set aside.
3. Open the kataifi dough and gently untangle it using your hands.
4. Mix the melted butter and feta cheese together in a bowl.
5. Spread out the kataifi dough on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to separate any clumps.
6. Evenly distribute the buttered feta cheese over the kataifi dough.
7. Roll up the kataifi dough, forming two individual dessert rolls, and place them onto a greased 9 inch round baking dish or cake pan.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
9. While the kunafa bakes, prepare the syrup by combining sugar, water, lemon juice, and rosewater in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook for 5 minutes.
10. Once the kunafa is done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
11. Carefully pour the hot syrup over the warm kunafa, allowing it to soak and become saturated.
12. Allow the dessert to rest for 30 minutes before serving to achieve the perfect texture.

Chef’s Insight

The balance of savory feta cheese and sweet syrup creates a unique flavor profile, while the kataifi dough adds an irresistible crunch to this Egyptian dessert.

Notes

Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the syrup according to your taste by adding more or less sugar.