Kanafeh
AI-generated image
Vegetarian Levantine

Kanafeh

A golden Levantine pastry layered with crisp shredded phyllo, stretchy mozzarella, and creamy ricotta, finished with rose-scented syrup and pistachios.

65 min 8 servings Medium
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How to prepare

1
Make the syrup: combine 200 g of the sugar, lemon juice, and 180 ml water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium-low heat for 8 minutes, until clear and slightly thickened. Remove from the heat, stir in the rosewater, and cool to room temperature.
2
Heat the oven to 190°C. Brush a 28 cm round baking pan generously with some of the melted butter. Mix the remaining butter through the kataifi with your hands, gently pulling apart the strands until evenly coated.
3
Press half of the buttered kataifi firmly into the prepared pan, building an even layer that reaches the edges. Mix the mozzarella and ricotta, then spread the cheese evenly over the pastry, leaving a 1 cm border.
4
Cover the cheese completely with the remaining kataifi and press very gently to compact the surface without crushing the strands. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, rotating once, until deeply golden and crisp at the edges.
Deeply golden baked kanafeh with crisp kataifi strands AI-generated image
5
Pour the cooled syrup slowly over the hot kanafeh, concentrating first around the edges and then across the center. Let it rest for 10 minutes so the syrup settles while the top remains crisp.
6
Scatter the chopped pistachios over the surface. Cut into wedges and serve warm, using a sharp knife to reach through the crisp pastry and creamy center.
Warm kanafeh wedge with creamy cheese, crisp pastry, and pistachios AI-generated image

Why this recipe works

A well-buttered kataifi crust provides deep caramelized crunch, while mild cheeses give the center a creamy, gently stretchy texture. Warm rose syrup soaks into the pastry without erasing its crisp edges.

Storage and reheating

How to store it

Refrigerate covered for up to 3 days. The pastry will soften slightly but remains flavorful.

How to reheat it

Reheat uncovered in a 175°C oven for 10 to 15 minutes until hot and lightly crisp; avoid microwaving, which makes the pastry chewy.

Nutrition / serving

674kcal
20.25 gprotein
73.29 gcarbs
34.46 gfat
P
Pantryvale editorial kitchen
Recipe prepared for publication with complete ingredients and ordered cooking steps.
Published 20 Aug 2026 · updated 21 Aug 2026