Kunafa, main dessert for Arab families in Ramadan

Cheese can be added or not to the Kunafa, and also one can add more or less sugar or syrup.

When it is Ramadan, then it's time for Kunafa; the main dessert for Arab families in in the holy month.

The favourite sweet dish, made of ingredients that differ from one family to another, is served in different ways, and can be eaten hot or cold.

Huda Abdelkader, a professional cook here, told Khaleej Times that fermented liquid flour is the main component of Kunafa.

"Add three cups of milk in a bowl on medium heat, and then add three teaspoons of plain four and three teaspoons of corn flour."

Stir the mix well, and then add four teaspoons of sugar, she added. "Stir the mix again, and add 1.5 packs of any bran cheese triangles if you wish."

Mix and ensure there no clumps of cheese, and then stretch and open up 500gm of Kunafa, she added.

"Cut the Kunafa with a pair of scissors, and then place the Kunafa in the food processor and blitz until it turns into small pieces."

Add 250gm of unsalted butter and work he butter into the Kunafa, she explained. "Place one-half of the Kunafa on the pan, and add the filling."

Soak your hand in cold water and pat the filling evenly, she pointed out. "Place the remaining Kunafa on the filling."

Abdelkader said one should then pat the Kunafa down to secure the filling. "Bake the Kunafa in the over at 180 degrees until it becomes lightly golden, for about 30 to 45 minutes."

Using the oven grill, place the Kunafa back into the oven to golden, she explained. "Immediately pour cold sugar syrup evenly over the hot Kunafa, let it cool completely to room temperature, invert onto serving plate."

Then cut the Kunafa into squares, she said. "If using the raisins and walnuts sprinkle an even layer over Kunafa with cinnamon and sugar, cover with the remaining half of the Kunafa, and press down gently."

Kunafa can then be served hot, warm, or cold, she said. "Cheese can be added or not to the Kunafa, and also one can add more or less sugar or syrup."

Source: .khaleej Times