Künefe peyniri

A traditional Turkish dessert made with cheese and syrup

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A serving of künefe with tea

Künefe is a traditional Turkish dessert made with a special type of cheese and soaked in sweet syrup. It is a popular dessert in Turkey and the surrounding regions, known for its unique combination of crispy and soft textures.

Ingredients

Künefe is primarily made with the following ingredients:

• Künefe cheese: A special type of cheese known as Künefe peyniri, which is similar to mozzarella in texture and melts easily.
• Kadayif: A type of shredded phyllo dough used to create the crispy layers of the dessert.
• Butter: Used to coat the kadayif and help it achieve a golden-brown color when cooked.
• Syrup: Made from sugar, water, and a hint of lemon juice, the syrup is poured over the cooked künefe to add sweetness.

Preparation

The preparation of künefe involves several steps:

1. Layering: The kadayif is mixed with melted butter and layered in a special künefe pan. A layer of künefe cheese is added in the middle, and another layer of kadayif is placed on top. 2. Cooking: The layered mixture is cooked over low heat until the bottom is golden brown. It is then flipped to cook the other side. 3. Soaking: Once cooked, the hot künefe is immediately soaked in cold syrup, allowing it to absorb the sweetness. 4. Serving: Künefe is typically served hot, often garnished with pistachios or walnuts.

Cultural Significance

Künefe holds a special place in Turkish culture and is often enjoyed during celebrations and gatherings. It is a staple dessert in many Turkish restaurants and is also popular in other Middle Eastern countries, where it may be known by different names.

Variations

While the traditional künefe is made with künefe cheese, variations exist that use different types of cheese or additional ingredients such as clotted cream or rose water in the syrup.

Related pages

• Turkish cuisine
• Baklava
• Middle Eastern cuisine