Ingredients
- 2 cups kataifi pastry (shredded phyllo dough)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sugar
- ½ cup dark chocolate, chopped
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons crushed pistachios (for garnish)
Syrup:
- ½ cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon orange blossom water (or rose water)
Instructions
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Prepare the syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add orange blossom water. Let cool.
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Prepare the kataifi base: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). In a bowl, mix the shredded kataifi pastry with melted butter until fully coated.
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Assemble the base: Press half of the kataifi mixture into a greased baking dish, forming an even layer.
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Prepare the filling: In a bowl, mix mozzarella, ricotta, vanilla extract, and sugar until smooth. Spread the cheese mixture over the kataifi layer.
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Melt the chocolate: Heat heavy cream until warm (not boiling), then pour over chopped chocolate. Stir until smooth. Pour over the cheese layer.
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Top with kataifi: Cover the filling with the remaining kataifi mixture, pressing gently.
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Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Finish with syrup: Remove from oven and immediately drizzle the cooled syrup over the hot knafeh. Let it soak for 10 minutes.
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Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with crushed pistachios, slice into bars, and enjoy warm!
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern
- Diet: Vegetarian
Keywords: knafeh chocolate bar