Indulge in the delightful crunch and aromatic flavors of Sugar-Free Kataifi, a healthier twist on the beloved Middle Eastern pastry dessert. This recipe features delicate strands of kataifi pastry, rolled with a rich, spiced mixture of walnuts, almonds, cinnamon, and cloves, all sweetened naturally with stevia and honey. Once baked to golden perfection, the buttery rolls are drenched in a fragrant syrup made with honey, stevia, lemon juice, and vanilla, ensuring every bite is infused with luscious flavor. Perfect for anyone seeking a sugar-free dessert option, this irresistible treat offers all the traditional charm of kataifi without the guilt. Serve it as a crowd-pleasing finale to your next gathering or enjoy it as a satisfying snack with a warm cup of coffee or tea.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Butter a large baking dish or tray generously.
Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat or in the microwave. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a food processor, add walnuts and almonds. Pulse until the nuts are coarsely chopped. Do not over-process into a powder; you want a coarse, crumbly texture.
Transfer the nut mixture to a bowl and add cinnamon, cloves, and one tablespoon of the stevia sweetener. Mix well to combine the flavors.
Gently separate the kataifi strands as much as possible. Place them in a large bowl and drizzle them evenly with the melted butter, making sure they are well coated.
Take a small handful of kataifi (about 15-20 cm long), lay it flat, and place a tablespoon of the nut mixture at one end. Roll the kataifi tightly to form a small roll and place it in the prepared baking dish.
Repeat the process until all the kataifi and nut mixture is used, aligning them snugly in the dish.
Bake the kataifi in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
While the kataifi bakes, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the remaining stevia sweetener, honey, water, and lemon juice. Stir until everything is mixed and simmer for 7-10 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the vanilla extract and stir.
Once the kataifi is out of the oven, let it cool slightly for about 10 minutes. Then pour the syrup evenly over the kataifi, ensuring it is well soaked.
Allow the kataifi to absorb the syrup for at least 2 hours before serving. This step will help achieve the desired texture and flavor.
Cut into portions and serve. Optionally, sprinkle with extra chopped nuts or a pinch of ground cinnamon.
Calories |
4687 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 369.2 g | 473% | |
| Saturated Fat | 120.6 g | 603% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 94.4 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 362 mg | 121% | |
| Sodium | 637 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 333.2 g | 121% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 34.5 g | 123% | |
| Total Sugars | 181.8 g | ||
| Protein | 67.2 g | 134% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 601 mg | 46% | |
| Iron | 13.9 mg | 77% | |
| Potassium | 1328 mg | 28% | |
*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.