Künefe is a sweet, crispy, and cheesy Turkish dessert that has gained worldwide popularity. This delicious dessert is made from shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and sweet syrup. It is a traditional dessert that originated in the city of Hatay in southern Turkey. It has become a popular dessert during Ramadan and other special occasions.

What is Künefe?

Künefe is a traditional Turkish dessert that is also known as Kunafa or Kanafeh in other parts of the Middle East. It is made from shredded phyllo dough called kataifi, layered with melted cheese, and topped with a sweet syrup made of sugar and water. The dough is made from flour, water, and salt, mixed and then shredded to create thin, crispy strands. The cheese used in Künefe is traditionally made from sheep’s milk, but some versions use mozzarella or ricotta cheese. The syrup is made by boiling sugar, water, and lemon juice until it thickens.

 

How is Künefe prepared?

The preparation of Künefe requires skill and expertise. The dough is first soaked in water to soften it and then drained. The dough is then layered with cheese and baked in a special pan called a künefe pan or a shallow pan with a handle until the cheese is melted and the dough is crispy. The dessert is then soaked in a sweet syrup made of sugar and water, which gives it a sweet and tangy flavor.

turkish künefe

What makes Mama Fatma’s Künefe special?

Mama Fatma is a legendary chef in Turkey known for her delicious Künefe. She has perfected the art of making this dessert, and her Künefe is known for its crispy texture, sweet syrup, and rich flavor. Mama Fatma uses the best quality ingredients and follows traditional methods to make her Künefe. Her recipe has been passed down through generations and has become a family tradition. Mama Fatma’s Künefe is a must-try when visiting Hatay, Turkey.

How to order Künefe at Mama Fatma?

If you want to try Mama Fatma’s Künefe, you can visit their restaurant in Toronto, Canada. The restaurant is known for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable about the cuisine. You can also order Künefe online and have it delivered to your doorstep. Many restaurants and bakeries in Turkey and other parts of the world also serve Künefe. You can also ask for recommendations from locals or search for reviews online.

Can I make Künefe at home?

Yes, you can make Künefe at home. However, it requires some special equipment and skills. You will need a special pan called a künefe pan or a shallow pan with a handle. You will also need to purchase kataifi dough, cheese, and syrup. There are many recipes available online that can guide you through the process of making Künefe at home. However, it is recommended to start with a smaller batch and practice the technique before attempting a larger quantity.

turkish traditional kunefe

Künefe ingredients

The ingredients used to make Künefe are simple and readily available. You will need kataifi dough, cheese, butter, sugar, water, and lemon juice. The dough is made from a combination of flour, water, and salt, mixed and then shredded to create thin and crispy strands. The cheese used in Künefe is traditionally made from sheep’s milk, but some versions use mozzarella or ricotta cheese. The syrup is made by boiling sugar, water, and lemon juice until it thickens.

Kunefe Delivery

If you are unable to visit a restaurant or bakery to try Kunefe, you can have it delivered to your doorstep. Many restaurants and bakeries offer delivery services or have partnered with food delivery apps such as Uber Eats or DoorDash. You can place an order online and have Kunefe delivered to your home or office.

Kunefe Calories

Kunefe is a delicious and indulgent dessert but also high in calories. A single serving of Kunefe can contain up to 500 calories or more, depending on the size and ingredients used. If you are watching your calorie intake, it is best to enjoy Kunefe in moderation or opt for a lighter dessert such as fresh fruit or sorbet.

kunefe

Kunefe Recipe

If you want to try making Kunefe at home, here is a recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound kataifi dough
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 pound sheep’s milk cheese, grated
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 lemon, juiced

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl, break up kataifi dough into small pieces.
  • Drizzle melted butter over the dough and mix well.
  • Press half of the dough mixture into the bottom of a künefe pan.
  • Spread grated cheese over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
  • Cover the cheese with the remaining dough mixture, pressing gently.
  • Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the dough is golden brown.

While the künefe is baking, make the syrup by combining sugar, water, and lemon juice in a small saucepan.

  • Bring the syrup to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
  • Reduce the heat to low and let the syrup simmer for about 10 minutes or until it thickens.
  • When the künefe is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • Using a knife or spatula, carefully loosen the künefe from the sides of the pan.
  • Invert the künefe onto a plate, so that the cheese layer is on top.
  • Drizzle the syrup over the künefe, making sure to cover it evenly.
  • Serve the künefe hot, garnished with chopped nuts or fruit if desired.