Knafeh Bel Pistachio

Knafeh Bel Pistachio is a delightful Lebanese dessert that features a crispy layer of semolina pastry filled with a rich, creamy cheese filling and topped with crushed pistachios, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. This high-protein treat is a satisfying indulgence, ideal for sharing with a loved one.

Ingredients

• Fine semolina - 100 grams
• Unsalted butter - 50 grams, melted
• Ricotta cheese - 100 grams
• Mozzarella cheese - 50 grams, shredded
• Sugar - 50 grams
• Water - 100 milliliters
• Rose water - 1 teaspoon
• Pistachios - 30 grams, crushed
• Honey - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the fine semolina and melted butter, mixing well until the semolina is fully coated.
3. In a separate bowl, blend the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses with 25 grams of sugar until smooth.
4. In a saucepan, bring water and the remaining sugar to a boil, then add rose water and remove from heat to cool.
5. Grease a small baking dish with butter and layer half of the semolina mixture evenly at the bottom.
6. Spread the cheese mixture over the semolina layer, then top with the remaining semolina mixture, pressing down lightly.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
8. Once baked, pour the cooled sugar syrup over the hot knafeh and let it soak for 5 minutes.
9. Drizzle honey over the top and sprinkle crushed pistachios before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 14 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Cholesterol: 40 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.1 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein from cheese, aiding muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in healthy fats from pistachios, promoting heart health.

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