Kanafeh Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (110g) granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup water
• A tiny squeeze of lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon rose water
• 1/8 teaspoon orange blossom water
• 3/4 cup (45g) kanafeh/konafa or kadaifi dough, finely shredded*
• 4 teaspoons (17g) melted ghee or butter*
• Orange food coloring, optional
• 4 slices bread of your choice, I used white sandwich bread
• 4 extra teaspoons ghee or butter (softened to room temperature), for spreading on the bread
• 4 oz (113g) Mozzarella cheese (or desalted melty Arabic cheese like Nabulsi, Akkawi or Shelella), shredded or sliced
• Finely chopped pistachios, for garnish
• Rose & orange blossom water flavored simple syrup, for drizzling

Instructions

1. 1

   In the smallest saucepan, combine together the sugar,...: In the smallest saucepan, combine together the sugar, water and squeeze of lemon juice. Set on the stove top over medium high heat.

2. 2

   Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the...: Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for no longer than 5 minutes. Set a timer! The syrup will thicken slightly, and have a consistency similar to pancake syrup. If it simmers for longer it could thicken too much and become candy-like and not pourable.

3. 3

   Transfer to a small bowl or gravy boat...: Transfer to a small bowl or gravy boat and put in the fridge to cool slightly while you make the sandwiches.

4. 4

   In a small bowl, stir together the ghee...: In a small bowl, stir together the ghee or butter with a few drops of orange food colouring, if using. If not using, the skip this step.

5. 5

   In a medium bowl, mix together the 4...: In a medium bowl, mix together the 4 teaspoons of melted ghee or butter mixture with the shredded kanafeh until evenly coated.

6. 6

   Cover one side of each slice of bread...: Cover one side of each slice of bread with a thin layer of ghee or butter, a scant teaspoon for each slice. Leave the other side bare.

7. 7

   Evenly divide the kanafeh mixture on the greased...: Evenly divide the kanafeh mixture on the greased side of the 4 slices of bread, about 2 tablespoons per side. Press to adhere.

8. 8

   On a medium or large non-stick skillet, heat...: On a medium or large non-stick skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of ghee over medium-high heat.

9. 9

   Place 2 slices of bread on the skillet,...: Place 2 slices of bread on the skillet, kanafeh side facing down. Top each slice with mozzarella cheese, then place the other 2 slices of bread on top of the cheese, bare side facing down; kanafeh side facing up.

10. 10

    Cook on the first side, until the kanafeh...: Cook on the first side, until the kanafeh sticks really well to the bread, the texture turns crunchy, the color deepens and the cheese begins to melt, 3 to 5 minutes. Adjust heat as necessary. If the kanafeh is browning too quickly and the cheese is melting slowly, turn the heat down so the kanafeh doesn't burn.

11. 11

    Using a spatula, turn the sandwich to the...: Using a spatula, turn the sandwich to the other side and cook until the kanafeh is sticking, feels crunchy, deeps in color and the cheese is fully melted.

12. 12

    Transfer to a serving plate, cut in half,...: Transfer to a serving plate, cut in half, sprinkle with chopped pistachios and drizzle with the flavored simple syrup. Serve right away while the cheese is still all melty and gooey, passing extra syrup alongside.