Knafeh Bil Karamel

Knafeh Bil Karamel is a decadent Lebanese dessert that combines the rich flavors of sweetened cheese with a luscious caramel sauce, all enveloped in crispy, golden kataifi pastry. This indulgent treat is perfect for sharing and offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.

Ingredients

• Kataifi pastry - 100 grams
• Unsalted butter - 50 grams, melted
• Mozzarella cheese - 100 grams, shredded
• Sugar - 50 grams
• Water - 50 ml
• Cardamom powder - 1/4 teaspoon
• Rose water - 1 teaspoon
• Pistachios - 20 grams, crushed (for garnish)
• Salt - a pinch

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes to create a simple syrup. Stir in cardamom powder and rose water, then set aside to cool.
3. In a bowl, mix the shredded mozzarella cheese with a little bit of the cooled syrup, then set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, gently separate the kataifi pastry strands and pour the melted butter over them. Mix well until all strands are coated in butter.
5. In a greased baking dish, layer half of the kataifi pastry at the bottom, pressing it down lightly.
6. Spread the cheese mixture evenly over the kataifi layer, then top with the remaining kataifi pastry, again pressing down gently.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
8. Remove from the oven and immediately pour the remaining simple syrup over the hot knafeh, allowing it to soak in.
9. Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with crushed pistachios before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 10 g
• Carbs: 55 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Water: 0.05 L

Health Benefits

• Provides a quick source of energy due to its carbohydrate content.
• Rich in calcium from the cheese, which is beneficial for bone health.

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