Nablus-Style Knafeh Recipe: A Traditional Palestinian Dessert

 

Knafeh is a traditional Palestinian dessert that originated in the city of Nablus. It is a sweet and creamy pastry made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and syrup. In this article, we'll show you how to make a delicious Nablus-style knafeh from scratch, using a simple and easy-to-follow recipe.

*Ingredients:*

- 1 package of shredded phyllo dough (also known as "knafeh dough")

- 1 cup of akkawi cheese (or other white cheese)

- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar

- 1/4 cup of rose water

- 1/4 cup of orange blossom water

- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, melted

- 1 tablespoon of pistachio kernels

- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley

- Syrup (see below for recipe)

*Instructions:*

1. *Thaw the phyllo dough:* Thaw the shredded phyllo dough according to the package instructions.

2. *Prepare the cheese:* Crumble the akkawi cheese into small pieces and set aside.

3. *Make the syrup:* See below for the syrup recipe.

4. *Assemble the knafeh:* In a large bowl, combine the shredded phyllo dough, crumbled cheese, granulated sugar, rose water, and orange blossom water. Mix well until the dough is evenly coated with the cheese and sugar mixture.

5. *Add the melted butter:* Pour the melted butter over the dough mixture and mix until the dough is well coated.

6. *Shape the knafeh:* Use your hands to shape the dough mixture into a rectangular shape.

7. *Bake the knafeh:* Place the knafeh in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.

8. *Drizzle with syrup:* Remove the knafeh from the oven and drizzle with the syrup.

9. *Garnish with pistachios and parsley:* Sprinkle the pistachio kernels and chopped parsley over the top of the knafeh.

*Syrup Recipe:*

- 1 cup of granulated sugar

- 1 cup of water

- 1 tablespoon of rose water

- 1 tablespoon of orange blossom water

Combine the sugar, water, rose water, and orange blossom water in a small saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the syrup is hot but not boiling.

*Tips and Variations:*

- Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh cheese and real rose water, for the best flavor.

- Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top of the knafeh for a decorative touch.

- Use different types of cheese, such as ricotta or cream cheese, for a unique flavor.

- Make the knafeh ahead of time and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Nablus-style knafeh!