How to Make Kunafa (Knafeh) #baklava

My CREAMIEST Kunafa Ever! (Easy Homemade Recipe)

🍯 For the Sugar Syrup

Ingredients:
* 1 cup water
* 1 cup sugar
* 2 tablespoons rose water
* 2 tablespoons brewed saffron
* 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions:
1. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, rose water, brewed saffron, and lemon juice.
2. Mix well and place over medium heat for about 10 minutes, until the syrup thickens. Set aside.

🧀 For the Cheese Filling

Ingredients:
* 1 cup milk
* 2 tablespoons cornstarch
* 2 tablespoons sour cream
* 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or whipping cream)
* 100 grams mozzarella cheese, shredded

Instructions:
1. In a pot, combine the milk, cornstarch, sour cream, and heavy cream. Whisk until smooth.
2. Place the pot over low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes thick.
3. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until it melts completely and the mixture is uniform.
4. Set the cheese filling aside to cool down.

Assembling & Baking the Kunafa

Ingredients:
* 300 grams dried kataifi (shredded kunafa dough), hand-shredded
* 150 grams unsalted butter, melted
* Extra butter for greasing
* Crushed pistachios and dried rose petals for garnish

Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Dough:** In a large bowl, combine the hand-shredded kataifi dough with the melted butter. Mix thoroughly with your hands until every strand is well-coated.
2. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 160°C (320°F).
3. **Assemble the Base:** Grease an oven-safe dish with some butter. Spread half of the buttered kataifi evenly in the dish. Use the bottom of a glass to press it down firmly and compact it.
4. **Add the Filling:** Spread the cooled cheese filling evenly over the first layer of kataifi.
5. **Add the Top Layer:** Cover the cheese filling with the remaining half of the kataifi. Use the glass again to gently press and compact the top layer.
6. **Bake:** Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. **The Final Steps:** As soon as you take the kunafa out of the oven (while it’s still hot), pour the prepared syrup all over it.
8. **Flip & Garnish:** Carefully flip the kunafa onto a serving plate. Garnish generously with crushed pistachios and dried rose petals.

**You HAVE to make this dessert. It is absolutely incredible!**