Künefe: Cheese & Pastry Dessert
Crispy kadayıf noodles encasing melting unsalted cheese, soaked in sweet syrup and topped with pistachios. Best served hot.
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Recipe Details
Ingredients
Shopping List
- 250g fresh Tel KadayıfShredded phyllo dough
- 150g slices Unsalted CheeseDil peyniri, fresh mozzarella, or special Künefe cheese
- 100g melted ButterGenerous amount
- 1 cup SugarFor syrup
- 1 cup WaterFor syrup
- 3 drops Lemon JuiceTo prevent crystallization
- 2 tbsp PistachiosGround, for garnish
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Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the syrup: Boil sugar and water for 10 mins. Add lemon juice. Let it cool to room temperature.
Step 2
Chop the kadayıf strands into smaller pieces. Pour melted butter over them and mix well with your hands.
Step 3
Grease two small round pans (or one large pan). Press half of the kadayıf firmly into the bottom.
Step 4
Layer the unsalted cheese evenly over the kadayıf.
Step 5
Cover with the remaining kadayıf and press down very firmly.
Step 6
Cook on the stovetop over low heat until the bottom is golden brown. Use a plate to flip it over and cook the other side.
Step 7
Immediately pour the cool syrup over the hot dessert. Let it soak for 1 minute.
Step 8
Sprinkle with pistachios and serve hot while the cheese is stretching.
Congratulations!
You've successfully prepared an authentic Turkish dish. Enjoy your delicious creation!
About This Recipe
Hailing from the Hatay region (Antakya), Künefe is the ultimate proof that cheese belongs in dessert. It is one of the few Turkish desserts that must be eaten fresh and hot.
The secret lies in the cheese. It must be unsalted and elastic. When you pull a forkful, the cheese should stretch (make "sünme") into long, delicious strands. The contrast between the crunchy, buttery crust and the soft, melting center is what makes this dessert legendary.
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