Description
Kataifi is a traditional Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dessert made from shredded phyllo dough, filled with nuts, and soaked in fragrant sugar syrup. It’s sweet, crisp, and irresistibly golden — a perfect balance of texture and flavor similar to baklava but even crunchier.
Ingredients
- 1 lb kataifi dough (shredded phyllo dough), thawed
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 1/2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or almonds), finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar (for syrup)
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water (optional, for aroma)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter.
- In a bowl, mix chopped nuts, cinnamon, cloves (if using), and 1/3 cup sugar. Set aside.
- Gently separate and fluff the kataifi dough strands with your fingers to loosen them.
- Take a handful of kataifi dough, brush with melted butter, and place a tablespoon of nut mixture in the center. Roll or twist into a small nest or log. Repeat until all dough and filling are used.
- Arrange the rolls or nests tightly in the prepared baking dish. Brush the tops generously with remaining melted butter.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, make the syrup: In a saucepan, combine water, 1 cup sugar, honey, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in rose water or orange blossom water if desired, and let cool slightly.
- Once kataifi is baked, remove from oven and immediately pour the warm syrup evenly over the hot pastry.
- Let sit for at least 2 hours to absorb the syrup fully. Serve at room temperature, garnished with crushed pistachios.
Notes
- Make sure the syrup is warm but not boiling when poured over the hot kataifi — this keeps it crispy and sweet.
- Can be made 1–2 days ahead; the flavor deepens as it rests.
- For added richness, drizzle with a touch of melted butter before serving.
- Pairs beautifully with Turkish coffee or mint tea.
- Prep Time: 25 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern