Healthier Vegan Cheese Stuffed Kunafa
Kunafa/ Knafeh/ Kataifi is a traditional middle eastern dessert, which is one of all my-time favourites. Kunafa dough is widely available in Ramadan throughout most of the Arab world, so it is the perfect time for being creative with amazing kunafa innovations.
This healthier take on vegan cheese-stuffed kunafa is a revelation. The delicate crunch of the kunafa, the rich, melty cheese, and the glistening sweet syrup create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you utterly captivated. Prepare to be impressed. ✨
Healthier Vegan Cheese Stuffed Kunafa (Kataifi)
This vegan kunafa (kataifi) is a marvelous combination of crispy kunafa and gooey cheese that are soaked in a sweet syrup. Enjoy it guilt-free!
Yield: 16 people
Calories: 188kcal
Materials
Kunafa crust
- 500 g Kunafa dough (Shredded phyllo dough) frozen or fresh
- ¼ Cup Coconut oil melted
Cheese filling
- 1 Cup Cashews soaked
- 2 Cup Water
- 6 tbsp Tapioca starch
- 1 tbsp Vinegar
- ½ tsp Lime juice
- ⅛ tsp Salt
Syrup
- ¾ cup Honey (or maple syrup)
- ¼ Cup Warm water
- 1 tsp Vanilla
Garnish
- ½ cup Pistachios crushed
Instructions
- Start by soaking the cashews in hot water for 15 minutes.
Preparing the kunafa crust
- Meanwhile, begin pulsing the kunafa dough in a food processor a few times, till you get small pieces. (if you are using frozen kunafa, leave to thaw for 5minutes. While if you are using fresh kunafa, freeze for a while before processing)
- Once processed into small pieces, transfer the kunafa dough strands into a large bowl.
- Combine well with the melted coconut oil using your hands.
Preparing the cheese filling
- Drain the soaked cashews. In a blender, add them along with the rest of the cheese filling ingredients. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the filling into a large saucepan. Keep stirring over low-medium heat until you get stretchy cheese consistency.
Assembling
- Preheat the oven to 200°C.Start by greasing the baking sheet with coconut oil. Spread half the dough on the bottom of the baking sheet, pressing with your hands to level it.
- Spread the cheese filling on top of the first dough layer.
- Cover the cheese with the remaining kunafa dough, again pressing with your hands.
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown.Meanwhile prepare the syrup by mixing the honey with the hot water. Then add in the vanilla, and mix again.
- Flip the konafa onto a serving dish. Pour the honey syrup evenly onto the konafa.Alternatively, you can use maple syrup for a vegan version.
- Finally sprinkle crushed pistachios on top.
- Serve & enjoy!
