Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 package of shredded phyllo dough (kataifi), thawed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios (optional)
Special equipment needed:
- 9-inch round baking dish
- Pastry brush
Step-by-step instructions:
a. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
b. In a small bowl, mix together the raisins, sugar, and cinnamon.
c. Brush the bottom and sides of the baking dish with melted butter.
d. Spread half of the shredded phyllo dough on the bottom of the dish, pressing it down firmly.
e. Sprinkle the raisin mixture evenly over the phyllo dough.
f. Cover the raisin mixture with the remaining phyllo dough, pressing it down firmly.
g. Pour the remaining melted butter over the top of the phyllo dough.
h. Bake the künefe for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
i. While the künefe is baking, combine the water and honey in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.
j. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
k. Remove the künefe from the oven and pour the honey syrup over the top.
l. Sprinkle with chopped pistachios (optional).
m. Let the künefe cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 30-35 minutes
5. Temperature:
350°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 350
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 170mg
Sugar: 29g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use chopped walnuts or almonds instead of pistachios.
- You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- You can use maple syrup instead of honey.
Variations:
- You can add chopped apples or pears to the raisin mixture.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon mixture.
- You can serve the künefe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to press the phyllo dough down firmly to create a solid base for the raisin mixture.
- Brushing the baking dish with melted butter will help prevent the künefe from sticking.
- Letting the künefe cool for a few minutes before serving will make it easier to slice.
Storage instructions:
Store any leftover künefe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the künefe, place it in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the künefe on a decorative platter or cake stand.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped pistachios or cinnamon on top of the künefe before serving.
Pairings:
Serve the künefe with a cup of Turkish coffee or tea.
Suggested side dishes:
A fresh fruit salad or yogurt with honey would be a great accompaniment to the künefe.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the phyllo dough is too dry, you can sprinkle a little water on it to moisten it.
- If the künefe is browning too quickly, cover it with foil and continue baking.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to store any leftover künefe in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.
Food history:
Künefe is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that is popular in Turkey, Lebanon, and Syria.
Flavor profiles:
The künefe has a sweet and cinnamon flavor with a crunchy phyllo dough crust and a soft raisin filling.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the künefe warm with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of chopped pistachios.
Related Categories
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Region: Turkish
Taste: Sweet, Nutty, Cinnamon, Raisin, Cinnamon-Spiced, Raisin-Flavored