Description
Kataifi is a traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dessert made from shredded phyllo dough filled with nuts and soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. The kataifi pastry bakes into a golden, crispy nest-like texture, creating a delicious balance of crunch and sweetness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) kataifi dough (shredded phyllo)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or almonds), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 1 cup water (for syrup)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter.
- In a bowl, combine chopped nuts, cinnamon, sugar, and cloves. Set aside.
- Gently separate and loosen the kataifi dough with your fingers, keeping the strands fluffy.
- Take a small handful of kataifi dough, brush with melted butter, and place a spoonful of nut mixture in the center. Roll or wrap into a small log or nest shape.
- Arrange the rolls in the prepared baking pan, close together but not packed too tightly.
- Brush the tops generously with the remaining melted butter.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- While baking, prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in rose or orange blossom water if using, then let cool slightly.
- When the kataifi comes out of the oven, immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot pastries.
- Allow to cool completely so the syrup soaks in and the texture becomes perfectly crisp and sticky.
Notes
- Use clarified butter or ghee for extra crispiness and a rich flavor.
- Kataifi can be made ahead and stored at room temperature for several days.
- Ensure the syrup is warm and the pastry is hot when combining for best absorption.
- Top with extra chopped pistachios for a colorful garnish before serving.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 50 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern