This easy to prepare cheese dessert is called KATAIFI in Greek and is
sometimes made with walnuts (the same filling as in baklava) instead of
cheese. Either way, it is especially delicious served warm.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 12x18 inch baking pan with
non-stick spray.
Pour 1/4 cup Clarified Butter on the bottom of the baking pan. Cut
the kataifi dough into 1 inch pieces and separate the strands. Distribute
half of the dough on the bottom of the pan. Drizzle with 1/4 cup more
Clarified Butter. Slice the sweet white cheese or mozzarella and arrange
over the kataifi dough in the pan. Spread the ricotta over the sliced
cheese. Distribute the rest of the dough on top of the cheese. Drizzle
with the remaining Clarified Butter.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Place under broiler for 2 to 3 minutes
until the top begins to brown. Remove from oven and cut into 3 rows
lengthwise and 5 rows widthwise. Pour 1 1/2 cups of the prepared syrup
over top. Sprinkle with the chopped pistachios. Serve immediately.
Pass the extra syrup in a bowl for those who prefer more.
Kanafi is best served hot out of the oven. Unbaked Kanafi may be
stored, well wrapped, in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Remove
from refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to bring to room
temperature.
Category
Desserts
Sweets
Servings
Makes 15 servings
Author
- 1 lb kataifi dough,* defrosted
- 1 1/4 cups Clarified Butter, melted
- 1 1/2 lb sweet white cheese* or mozzarella
- 1 lb ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped raw pistachios
- 2 cups Basic Syrup.