Ricotta Cheese Kunafa

The easiest, quickest and most versatile kunafa there is! With a sweet and tangy creamy ricotta cheese filling, signature crunchy crust and lightly scented sugar syrup, this kunafa will likely become your new go-to!

📝 Ingredients

• Pistachios and rose dried rose petals (optional)
• 1lb/ 500g kunafa or kataifi/kadaifi pastry, fresh or frozen. If using fresh, freeze for an hour for easier cutting. If using frozen, thaw slightly
• 1 cup (8oz/ 227g) ghee or butter, melted*
• 500 grams good quality, creamy ricotta cheese*
• 1/4 cup (60g) Arabic-style clotted cream (eshta/ashta)* (see recipe notes for substitutions)
• 1 tablespoons (13g) granulated sugar (optional)*
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (or 1 teaspoon if using imitation vanilla flavoring)*
• 2 cup (400g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (about 1 teaspoon)
• 1/2 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 2 cardamom pods, smashed open (optional)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1In a medium saucepan, combine together the sugar,...: In a medium saucepan, combine together the sugar, water and squeeze of lemon juice. Set on a stovetop over high heat. Try to avoid stirring it as it heats to prevent crystallization from happening, but if the sugar is not dissolving, then help it out with a few stirs. Once it comes to a boil, STOP stirring.
2. 2Bring to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce...: Bring to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium-low, add in the half cinnamon stick and cardamom pods (if using), and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes. Set a timer! The syrup will thicken slightly to a consistency similar to hot maple syrup. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
3. 3Remove from heat. Transfer to a liquid measuring...: Remove from heat. Transfer to a liquid measuring cup or gravy boat and allow to cool to room temperature before using. Remove the the cinnamon stick and cardamon pods for a subtle scent or keep in for a stronger one (I prefer a subtle one here).
4. 4In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta...: In a medium bowl, stir together the ricotta cheese, sugar (if using), cream and vanilla. Set aside.
5. 5Adjust oven rack to lower middle position and...: Adjust oven rack to lower middle position and preheat oven to 200C/ 390F.
6. 6Generously grease a 12"/ 30cm round cake pan...: Generously grease a 12"/ 30cm round cake pan with ghee or butter.*(see recipe notes for alternate pan sizes)
7. 7Over a large bowl, shred the kunafa dough...: Over a large bowl, shred the kunafa dough into 1inch/ 2.5cm long pieces. Cutting the kunafa while semi frozen, makes for the easiest way to break it. So even if using fresh kunafa, stick it in the freezer for about an hour before cutting it. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before adding in the ghee/butter.
8. 8Pour the melted ghee/butter evenly over the kunafa...: Pour the melted ghee/butter evenly over the kunafa and mix evenly with you hands, into the kunafa shreds, making sure that each strand is well-coated.
9. 9Transfer two-thirds the amount of kunafa into the...: Transfer two-thirds the amount of kunafa into the prepared pan and evenly spread it onto the bottom and up the sides. Make a wall with the kunafa around the sides of the pan; this will help contain the filling during the baking process and prevent it from burning. Use the flat-bottom of a cup to compress the kunafa as tightly as you can.
10. 10Spoon the cheese filling over the kunafa and...: Spoon the cheese filling over the kunafa and gently spread into an even layer.
11. 11Scatter the remaining third of the kunafa over...: Scatter the remaining third of the kunafa over the cheese filling, and lightly press on it to tidy it up and get it nice and level.
12. 12Transfer the pan to the oven and bake...: Transfer the pan to the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the top and sides of the kunafa are deep golden brown in color. Use a knife to push the side of the konafa, to check the color. The longer it bakes, the crunchier it gets.
13. 13Remove the kunafa from the oven and immediately...: Remove the kunafa from the oven and immediately pour on the scented syrup, starting from the edge and moving towards the center, in a circular motion, making sure to cover the entire surface.
14. 14Let the konafa rest for 5 to 10...: Let the konafa rest for 5 to 10 minutes to allow for the syrup to soak in, then flip on to a serving platter. Garnish the surface with pistachios and dried rose petals, if you like.
15. 15Cut into wedges and serve hot or at...: Cut into wedges and serve hot or at warm room temperature. Kunafa is best enjoyed warm, and on the same day it's baked. Leftovers maybe stored in the refrigerator, then rewarmed in the oven or microwave.