Kunafa

An exquisite Saudi Arabian dessert featuring a crispy golden crust made from the finest vermicelli noodles and a delicate creamy cheese filling, generously soaked in fragrant rose syrup.

Ingredients

• 400 g Kunafa vermicelli noodles
• 6 tbsp Butter
• 1 pinch Yellow food coloring
• 1 cup Mozzarella
• 0.25 cup Cream cheese
• 1.5 cup Milk
• 4 tbsp Sugar
• 2 tbsp Cornstarch
• 1 cup Sugar
• 1 cup Water
• 1 tsp Rose water
• 0.5 tsp Lemon juice

Instructions

1. Place the kunafa vermicelli noodles in a bowl and chop them into small pieces. Pour melted butter over them, add a pinch of yellow food coloring, and mix thoroughly by hand until the noodles are well coated with butter.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the milk, cream cheese, sugar, and cornstarch until smooth.
3. Place the mixture on the stovetop and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. When the mixture thickens, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. Add grated mozzarella to the cheese mixture and stir well.
5. Place a baking sheet in a preheated 200°C oven. Spread half of the prepared kunafa vermicelli noodles on the sheet and press lightly to create an even layer.
6. Distribute the cheese filling evenly over the base using a spoon.
7. Cover the filling with the remaining half of the kunafa vermicelli noodles, forming the top layer.
8. Place the baking sheet in the preheated 200°C oven for 20–25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
9. While the kunafa bakes, prepare the syrup: bring water to a boil in a saucepan, dissolve sugar in it, and simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened. Add lemon juice and rose water, and stir.
10. Immediately after removing the kunafa from the oven, pour the hot syrup evenly over it.
11. Let the kunafa cool slightly and serve warm.