Kadaif
Indulge in the irresistible sweetness and satisfying crunch of Kadaif, a traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dessert that’s as stunning as it is delicious. This recipe features delicate kataifi (shredded phyllo dough) layered with a luscious filling of coarsely chopped walnuts and pistachios, seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Baked to golden perfection and soaked in an aromatic syrup infused with honey, lemon juice, vanilla, and a hint of clove, Kadaif is the ultimate harmony of textures and flavors. Whether served as a show-stopping treat for holidays or a sweet finale to any meal, this easy-to-follow, syrup-soaked dessert offers a homemade taste of culinary tradition that will keep everyone coming back for more.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 400 grams Kataifi (shredded phyllo dough)
- 200 grams Unsalted butter
- 150 grams Walnuts (coarsely chopped)
- 50 grams Pistachios (coarsely chopped)
- 300 grams Granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 240 milliliters Water (for syrup)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 2 whole Cloves
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground nutmeg
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F).
Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave, and set it aside to cool slightly.
In a mixing bowl, combine the coarsely chopped walnuts, pistachios, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Unwrap and gently separate the kataifi dough by hand. Divide the dough into three equal portions.
Grease a rectangular baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches) with melted butter.
Take one portion of the kataifi dough, spread it out gently, and brush it evenly with melted butter.
Spread half of the nut mixture evenly over the kataifi.
Place the second portion of kataifi over the nut layer, brush it with more melted butter, and spread the remaining nut mixture on top.
Cover with the final layer of kataifi dough and brush the entire top generously with the remaining melted butter.
Using a sharp knife, cut the layered kataifi into squares or diamonds for easy serving later.
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40-50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
While the kadaif is baking, prepare the syrup: combine granulated sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, whole cloves, and vanilla extract in a saucepan.
Bring the syrup mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove the cloves and let the syrup cool.
Once the kadaif is baked, remove it from the oven, and immediately pour the cooled syrup over the hot dessert evenly.
Allow the kadaif to absorb the syrup and cool down to room temperature before serving.
Serve kadaif at room temperature, and enjoy the delightful crunch and sweet flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
680 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 38.2 g | 49% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.0 g | 75% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 55 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 152 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 81.8 g | 30% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.2 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 43.9 g | ||
| Protein | 8.6 g | 17% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 35 mg | 3% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 182 mg | 4% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
