Knafeh Nabulsi

Prep Time 60 Minutes Serving Size 8 Servings

Ingredients

• 1 bound Knafeh dough
• 1/2 teaspoon orange food color (Knafeh color)
• 1 Cup Butter Or ghee butter
• 2 Cup Nabulsi cheese or Akkawi Cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon Mcetkh, finely ground
• 1/4 Cup ground pistachios for garnish

Sugar Syrup Ingredients

• 4 Cups sugar
• 2 Cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water

Directions

1. In a saucepan add sugar, water, lemon juice, orange blossom water. Boil the contents at medium heat then reduce heat and leave to simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2. Cut the Nabulsi or Akkawi cheese into thin slices and soak in water over night. Change the water every few hours until the cheese becomes free of salt. Drain the water and squeeze the cheese to remove any remainder water. Cut the cheese into small pieces.
3. Break up the Knafeh dough into small pieces.

4. Add the Knafeh color over the dough and make sure to rub it in so that it reaches all parts of the dough.

5. In 9 inch round or 9x12 inch rectangular baking tray, cover the bottom of the pan with a thin layer of Ghee butter, put half of Kunafa dough, spread to cover bottom and press well by palm of the hand.

6. Spread the cheese over the dough and cover the entire tray, also sprinkle the ground Mestika on top of the cheese. (Be sure not to place cheese near the edge of the tray).

7. Cover the cheese layer with the rest of the dough and press well by the palm of the hand.

8. Pre-heat the oven to 375º F.
9. Place the Knafeh tray on the middle rack and bake for 30 minutes.
10. After the Knafeh is done baking, remove pan from oven. Pour the hot syrup over the Knafeh, making sure to evenly coat the tray.
11. Garnish with pistachios.
12. Serve hot.