Description
Greek Kataifi is a traditional Mediterranean dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, a rich nut filling, and a fragrant honey-lemon syrup. Golden, crisp, and delicately sweet, this pastry is a cousin to baklava and a favorite treat for holidays and special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) kataifi dough (shredded phyllo)
- 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups (200g) walnuts or pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- For the Syrup:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 strip lemon peel
- 1 small cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with melted butter.
- In a bowl, mix chopped nuts, cinnamon, cloves (if using), and 2 tbsp sugar. Set aside.
- Carefully pull apart the kataifi dough with your fingers to loosen and separate the strands.
- Take a small handful of kataifi dough (about 2 tablespoons) and spread it flat. Place about 1 tablespoon of the nut mixture at one end and roll it up tightly into a log. Place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Repeat with remaining dough and filling until the dish is filled.
- Drizzle or brush the melted butter evenly over all the kataifi rolls, making sure every piece is well coated.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
- While the kataifi bakes, prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, honey, lemon peel, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 8–10 minutes. Remove from heat and discard peel and cinnamon stick. Let cool slightly.
- When kataifi is done, remove from oven and immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot pastry.
- Allow to soak for at least 1 hour before serving so the syrup is absorbed.
Notes
- Always pour warm syrup over hot kataifi (or vice versa) — this keeps it crisp.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 5 days; do not refrigerate as it may soften.
- For variety, use pistachios, almonds, or a mix of nuts.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 1 hr
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Greek