Description
Learn how to make the delightful Lebanese Knafeh, a traditional dessert that combines semolina, cheese, and a sweet syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fine semolina
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed pistachios (for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, pour the melted butter over the fine semolina and stir until all the grains are well-coated and glistening.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and vanilla extract. Heat over medium flame, stirring continuously until the sugar dissolves completely, then take it off the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- In another bowl, blend the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses together until smooth and creamy.
- Take a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and evenly distribute half of the semolina mixture across the bottom, pressing it down firmly to form a solid base.
- Layer the cheese mixture on top, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with the remaining semolina mixture, pressing down gently to ensure it holds together.
- Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
- Once baked, remove it from the oven and immediately drizzle the warm sugar syrup over the entire surface, allowing it to soak in for about 10 minutes.
- To serve, sprinkle crushed pistachios and a dash of ground cinnamon on top if desired. Cut into squares and enjoy while warm.
Notes
- For an aromatic twist, consider adding a tablespoon of rose water to the syrup.
- You can experiment with different cheese combinations, such as feta, for a unique flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Lebanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: Lebanese Knafeh, Knafeh recipe, traditional Lebanese dessert