“Kataifi is a traditional dessert found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines, known for its unique shredded pastry and sweet filling. At BoGosto, we prepare our Kataifi with care, creating a dessert that’s crispy on the outside and filled with a delightful mixture of nuts and syrup. Follow our recipe to recreate this exquisite treat at home and experience the essence of Mediterranean sweetness.”
Ingredients:
For the Kataifi Pastry:
- 1 package (16 oz) Kataifi pastry dough (shredded filo dough)
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Nut Filling:
- 2 cups mixed nuts (such as walnuts, pistachios, almonds), finely chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Optional: 1/4 cup honey
Instructions:
- Prepare the Nut Filling:
- In a bowl, combine the finely chopped nuts, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and ground nutmeg. Mix well.
- Add the melted butter to the nut mixture and stir until evenly combined. Set aside.
- Prepare the Syrup:
- In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the honey, if using. Let the syrup cool completely.
- Assemble the Kataifi:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
- Place a handful of Kataifi pastry strands in your hand and gently separate them.
- Brush the strands with melted butter and spread a thin layer of the nut filling evenly along the length of the pastry.
- Roll and Bake:
- Carefully roll up the pastry around the nut filling to form a cylinder shape.
- Place the rolled Kataifi pastries in the prepared baking dish, arranging them side by side.
- Bake and Syrup:
- Bake the Kataifi in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the Kataifi from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot pastry rolls.
- Serve:
- Allow the Kataifi to cool in the baking dish for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Optionally, garnish with chopped pistachios or additional nuts before serving.