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Turkish Kunefe Recipe – The Easiest Way to Make Kunefe at Home

A large, completed kunefe is presented on an ornate silver tray, cut into even triangular portions, each topped with a vibrant green sprinkle of ground pistachios, contrasting with the bright orange strands of cooked kadayıf. The dessert is set against a dark background, accentuating its rich colors and inviting texture.

Kunefe, a celebrated dessert within Turkish cuisine, impressively blends crispy kadayıf (shredded wheat) with melting cheese, all lavishly bathed in sweet, fragrant syrup. Significantly, this delicacy has become a cornerstone of traditional Turkish dessert culture. Predominantly acclaimed in the Hatay region of Turkey, kunefe proudly stands as Hatay's signature dessert. However, its appeal does not halt there; it flourishes throughout the country, with each variation adapting to local tastes and ingredients. From the simplistic plain cheese kunefe to the more sophisticated versions that incorporate pistachios or cream, the versatility of the dessert knows no bounds. Consequently, the Turkish Kunefe Recipe has become a coveted guide for culinary enthusiasts eager to replicate this beloved classic at home.

As this dessert became woven into the cultural fabric, every region in Turkey imparted its unique flair to the recipe, thereby enriching the diversity of kunefe's presentation and flavor profile. Moreover, in Turkey, kunefe transcends the mere status of a dessert; it symbolizes a celebration of community and craftsmanship, frequently enjoyed at gatherings and special occasions. Additionally, the traditional method of preparing kunefe, which involves finely shredding the wheat and meticulously layering it with cheese and syrup, showcases the culinary expertise that has been nurtured and passed down through generations. This detailed process not only underlines the depth of Turkish culinary heritage but also cements kunefe as an enduring classic in Turkish cuisine.

By delving into the Turkish Kunefe Recipe, one embarks on a gastronomic journey that captures the essence of traditional Turkish sweets. This experience offers a flavor that resonates deeply with the soulful culinary practices cherished by generations, making it a journey worth exploring for anyone passionate about authentic Turkish gastronomy. If you're curious about the history of kunefe, click on this link.

For other recipes besides the Turkish Kunefe recipe, see below.

Stuffed Peppers with Olive Oil – The Jewel of Turkish Cuisine

Garlic Bread Recipe- The Easiest Breakfast Recipe

Menemen recipe: The Indispensable of Turkish Breakfast

Armola Cheese Recipe – The Hidden Delight of Seferihisar

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Rest Time 5 mins
Total Time 1 hr 15 mins
Cooking Method:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Cooking Temp: 180  C
Servings: 2
Estimated Cost: 8
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year
Ingredients
  • 200 g Kadayif (Shreddet Wheat)
  • 150 g Unsalted Cheese (Like mozzarella or local unsalted cheese)
  • 100 g Unsalted Butter (melted)
  • 150 g Sugar
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1/2 Lemon (juice)
  • 2 tbsp Pistachios (for garnish)
Instructions
  1. 1
    Begin by preparing the syrup. Combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Let it cool.
  2. 2
    Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  3. 3
    Pull apart the kadayif strands gently to loosen them. Then, mix thoroughly with the melted butter.A white bowl is filled with finely shredded, pale golden kadayıf noodles, which appear delicate and airy.
  4. 4
    Spread half of the buttered kadayıf in a baking dish, creating an even layer.
  5. 5
    Layer the cheese evenly over the kadayıf, leaving a small margin around the edges to prevent it from leaking out.
  6. 6
    Cover the cheese with the remaining kadayıf, pressing lightly to compact.
  7. 7
    Bake in the preheated oven for about 35-40 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown.A metal tray containing a round, golden-brown baked dessert sits on a gas stove, with blue flames visibly heating the dish from below.
  8. 8
    Remove from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup over the hot künefe.Silver syrup is being poured from a ladle onto a round, metal serving tray of kunefe, which is generously topped with crushed pistachios and has a crispy golden-brown surface.
  9. 9
    Garnish with ground pistachios.Here we have a close-up of a dessert known as künefe, a Middle Eastern cheese pastry soaked in sweet syrup. It's presented in a shallow dish with a dark metallic finish, contrasted against a larger serving of the same dessert in the background. The künefe is topped with finely shredded phyllo dough, baked to a golden-orange hue, and sprinkled with vibrant green ground pistachio. The rich color and texture suggest a crunchy and sweet dessert experience.
  10. 10
    Serve hot, allowing the cheese's full flavor and texture to shine through.Golden-brown kunefe with a sprinkling of ground pistachios on a metal plate and wooden base.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 426kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 20.5g32%
Saturated Fat 8.5g43%
Cholesterol 48mg16%
Sodium 192mg8%
Potassium 109mg4%
Total Carbohydrate 55g19%
Sugars 39g
Protein 7.3g15%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: turkish dessert, traditional dessert
Read it online: https://www.chefturko.com/recipe/turkish-kunefe-recipe/