Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup of cream cheese
- 1/4 cup of melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 2 tablespoons of orange blossom water
- 1/2 cup of chopped pistachios
- 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of rosewater
- 1/2 cup of shredded phyllo dough
- 1/2 cup of clarified butter
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch round baking pan
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, allspice, sugar, and salt and whisk to combine.
4. Remove from heat and stir in the orange blossom water and rosewater.
5. In a mixing bowl, combine the mozzarella, feta, ricotta, and cream cheese.
6. Add the butter mixture to the cheese and stir to combine.
7. Grease a 9-inch round baking pan with clarified butter.
8. Layer the phyllo dough in the pan, brushing each layer with clarified butter.
9. Spread the cheese mixture over the phyllo dough.
10. Sprinkle the pistachios and walnuts over the cheese.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 300
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 10g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with cheddar cheese.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Cream cheese can be substituted with mascarpone cheese.
- Orange blossom water can be substituted with rosewater.
- Pistachios can be substituted with almonds or hazelnuts.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or cashews.
- Phyllo dough can be substituted with puff pastry.
Variations:
- For a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter and the cheeses with vegan cheese.
- For a sweet version, add 1/2 cup of honey to the butter mixture.
- For a savory version, add 1/2 cup of chopped olives to the cheese mixture.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the butter is completely melted before adding the spices.
- Be sure to grease the pan with clarified butter to prevent the phyllo dough from sticking.
- Let the kanafeh cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the kanafeh in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Serve the kanafeh with a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche.
Garnishes:
- Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and walnuts.
- Drizzle with honey or syrup.
Pairings:
- Serve with a glass of ouzo or Greek wine.
- Serve with a side of Greek salad.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Hummus
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the phyllo dough is sticking to the pan, brush each layer with more clarified butter.
- If the cheese is not melting, cover the pan with foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
Food Safety Advice:
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of baking.
- Reheat leftovers to an internal temperature of 165°F.
Food History:
Kanafeh is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert that dates back to the 10th century. It is believed to have originated in Palestine and is now popular throughout the Middle East.
Flavor Profiles:
This classic cheese kanafeh has a rich and creamy flavor with hints of cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice. It is slightly sweet and nutty with a hint of orange blossom and rosewater.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche.
- Drizzle with honey or syrup for a sweeter flavor.
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Region: Middle Eastern