Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Middle East! Kadayif is not just a dessert; it's a spectacular symphony of crispy, buttery phyllo strands and gooey, melted cheese that will make your mouth water from the first glance. Imagine a dessert so decadent, it blurs the lines between sweet and savory, creating a treat that's impossible to resist. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious home cook, this Kadayif Middle Eastern Cheese Dessert is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 400g kadayif (shredded phyllo dough)
- 200g unsalted butter, melted
- 300g mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon rose water (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). This will ensure that your kadayif dessert cooks evenly and becomes golden brown.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently separate the kadayif (shredded phyllo dough) with your fingers to prevent clumping. This will help achieve a light and flaky texture in the final dessert.
- In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, pour the butter over the separated kadayif, making sure to coat it evenly. Use your hands or a spatula to mix it well, ensuring all strands are covered in butter.
- In a separate bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella cheese. This will be the main filling of your dessert, providing a deliciously gooey texture.
- In a greased baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches), spread half of the buttered kadayif mixture evenly across the bottom. Press it down gently to create a solid base.
- Evenly distribute the shredded mozzarella cheese over the base layer of kadayif. Make sure to cover the entire surface for a consistent cheesy filling.
- Top the cheese layer with the remaining half of the buttered kadayif. Again, press it down gently to compact the layers. This will help the dessert hold its shape during baking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- While the kadayif is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of sugar, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the syrup simmer for about 10 minutes. If using, add 1 teaspoon of rose water to the syrup for an aromatic touch. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Once the kadayif is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot dessert. This will allow the kadayif to absorb the sweetness and moisture from the syrup.
- Allow the kadayif to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing into squares or diamond shapes. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious Kadayif Middle Eastern Cheese Dessert!
Tips
- Work with Kadayif Carefully: Always separate the phyllo strands gently to maintain their delicate texture. Cold kadayif can be brittle, so let it sit at room temperature for easier handling.
- Butter is Your Friend: Don't skimp on the butter! It's crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior and rich flavor.
- Cheese Distribution Matters: Ensure the mozzarella is evenly spread to get that perfect cheese pull in every bite.
- Syrup Secrets: Pour the warm syrup over the hot kadayif immediately after baking. This allows for maximum absorption and creates that signature moist texture.
- Serving Suggestion: While delicious warm, kadayif can also be served at room temperature. For an extra touch, garnish with chopped pistachios or a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.
- Make Ahead Tip: You can prepare the kadayif a few hours in advance and reheat it gently before serving to maintain its crispy texture.
- Storage: If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
