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.
Since I am currently doing vegan fasting, this was a perfect kunafa recipe for enjoying Ramadan vibes. The combination of crispy kunafa and gooey cheese that are soaked in a sweet syrup is just magical.
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!
