#knafeh: dessert made of cheese and shredded filo dough

[plomegranate]

i love palestinian and arab culture so much.

my grandma wearing thobes around the house and making us tamriyeh. my cousins wedding when we all wore thobes and keffiyehs and took photos downtown and we danced with someone playing the guitar on the street and this lady stopping us to tell us we all looked so beautiful. walking the graduation stage in a thobe. the girl who liked to guess arab peoples ethnicities telling me "you're wearing tatreez... do you want me to write 'palestinian' on your forehead?" the keffiyeh my brother keeps on the drivers seat of his car.

my dad sending me off to my last semester of college with 2 pomegranates and a jar of palestinian olive oil. my cousins wife coming up with new ways to make zaatar and cheese pastries. me and my grandma sitting on the floor and making waraq 3neb- my job was to separate the leaves so she could roll them easier. my mom sending me and my brother to school with eid cookies for my teachers and tasking us with delivering some to the neighbors. my aunt glaring at me and piling more food on my plate and then asking if i was still hungry (i wasnt). my mom always telling me to invite my friends and cousins over for dinner and asking me what they like to eat. my family getting my dad knafeh instead of cake for his birthday. the man who told me i made the "best fetteh in the western hemisphere".

the man in the shawarma shop who gave me my fries for free and baklava i didnt order because we spoke about being palestinian while he took my order. the person on tumblr who i bonded with because we are from the same palestinian city. the girl i met on campus who exclaimed "youre palestinian? me too!" because i was wearing my keffiyeh. the girl in my class that showed me the artwork about palestine her dad made and donated for fundraising. the couple in the grocery store who noticed my palestinian shirt and talked with me for 20 minutes and ended up being a family friend. the silly palestinian kids i tutored sighing in disappointment when i told them i was born in america because they were hoping that id have been born "somewhere cooler". my friends family who bought me dinner despite me being there by chance and having met me for the first time the day before.

the boys starting uncoordinated dabke lines in my high school's hallways. the songs about the longing and love for our land. the festivals and parties and gatherings where everything smells like shisha and oud. memories of waiting in the car for an hour as my parents talked at the doorway of their friends homes. my cousins and i showing up at each others homes with cake or fruit or games as if it was the first time we ever visited even though we always say "you dont have to".

kids stubbornly helping to clean and make tea after a meal while being told to go sit down because they are guests. the necklaces in the shape of our home countries. people hugging and laughing and acting as if theyve known each other for years because they come from the same city or know people with the same last name. the day i finally got to bully my friends into letting me pay the bill because i had a job and they were still students. my moms friend who calls us every time she's at the grocery store to see if we need something

palestinian people are so resilient and hardworking and charitable. they love their culture and their community and are so quick to share and welcome anyone in. everyday i am so thankful and proud to be part of such a warm and lovely culture

#my love letter to palestine and its culture #free palestine #for those who dont know: #thobe: traditional embroidered dress. theres a lot of meaning behind the designs and different styles are indicative of the region #tatreez: the embroidery style #waraq 3neb: stuffed grapeleaves #dabke: traditional dance. look up videos theyre quite fun #shisha: the stuff smoked in hookah #oud: popular perfume/cologne scent #tamriyeh: fried dough dessert #keffiyeh: traditional scarf #zaatar: spice mix of mostly thyme #fetteh: dish made with bread yogurt chickpeas and nuts #knafeh: dessert made of cheese and shredded filo dough #there is so much more i can add. i really could go on forever #mine #plomegrantalk

[arabella-au]

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: The Best Middle Eastern Desserts in Sydney

Middle Eastern cuisine is known for its rich flavours, vibrant colours, and bold spices. And while the savoury dishes are often what first come to mind, Middle Eastern desserts are just as delicious and deserving of a taste.

If you're looking for a sweet treat that will transport you to the Middle East, be sure to check out these top spots in Sydney.

1. Baklava

Baklava is a traditional Turkish dessert made with layers of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup. It's a popular dessert throughout the Middle East, and for good reason. It's light, flaky, and incredibly flavorful.

2. Knafeh

Knafeh is another popular Middle Eastern dessert that is made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and a sweet syrup. It's a rich and decadent dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

3. Halva

Halva is a Middle Eastern sweet made with tahini, sugar, and various other ingredients. It's a dense and chewy dessert that is often flavoured with nuts, seeds, or spices.

4. Kunafa

Kunafa is a Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and a sweet syrup. It's a rich and decadent dessert that is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

If you're looking for a truly decadent dessert, be sure to give Arabella Lebanese restaurant a try. You won't be disappointed.

These are just a few of the many delicious Middle Eastern food Sydney. So next time you're in the mood for a sweet treat, be sure to check out one of these restaurants. You won't be disappointed.

[gourmetdublinadviser]

Knafeh Recipe 

WHAT IS KNAFEH? Knafeh (referred to with several spellings including kunafa, kanafeh, kunafeh, konafi, etc.) is a traditional, popular Middle Eastern pastry dessert that combines shredded filo/phyllo pastry strands (also known as kataifi pastry; alternatively, fine semolina dough) with a stuffed cheese filling, topped with crushed pistachios, and soaked in a sweet sugar syrup – often delicately scented with rose water or orange blossom (except for the cheese).

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2

Make sure to thaw the shredded phyllo dough before using. Transfer it to a large bowl, then using your hands, begin pulling the strands apart, breaking them into smaller and smaller pieces until the dough is completely shredded.

Step 3

Pour the melted butter and food colouring (if using) over the shredded phyllo and mix in with your hands until butter and food colouring are evenly distributed. It is best to use a pair of latex gloves so your hands don't get colouring on them.

Step 4

Spread half the dough in a large round cake pan or a 9x13 baking dish. Press firmly into the pan.

Step 5

Spread the cheese over top of the dough, leaving at least an inch of space around the edges.

Step 6

Cover the cheese with the remaining dough, making sure to cover the edges first to seal the cheese and prevent it from leaking during baking. Press in firmly.

Step 7

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Once baked, remove from the oven and carefully flip over onto a serving tray or plate. Gently lift the baking pan away from the knafeh.

Step 8

Spoon the cooled simple syrup over the knafeh, then gently pour the remaining syrup over top. Adjust the amount of simple syrup you use to suit your tastes. Decorate with crushed pistachios and serve warm.  Can be served with vanilla ice-cream.

Knafeh is best the day it’s made, but leftovers will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, just warm them up for 10 - 20 seconds in the microwave before serving.

#knafeh #dessert #recipies

[arabella-au]

Sweet Endings: Irresistible Middle Eastern Dessert Recipes from Sydney

Middle Eastern desserts are an enchanting culmination of centuries-old culinary traditions that celebrate the region's rich heritage. Bursting with flavours and aromas, these sweet treats have captivated dessert enthusiasts worldwide. Among the myriad of delightful Middle Eastern desserts, the ones served at the charming restaurants in Sydney stand out for their authenticity and flavours. In this comprehensive guide, we take you on a delectable journey through some of the most irresistible Middle Eastern dessert recipes that will leave your taste buds yearning for more.

Baklava: A Nutty Indulgence

Baklava, the crown jewel of Middle Eastern desserts, is a timeless masterpiece that delights the senses. This heavenly pastry is a perfect harmony of flaky layers of paper-thin filo dough, generously brushed with butter and adorned with a nutty filling. The most common nuts used in baklava are walnuts, pistachios, or almonds, each contributing its unique texture and taste.

To elevate the experience, the baklava is bathed in a luscious sugar syrup infused with fragrant rosewater or orange blossom water. This infusion adds a delightful floral note that perfectly balances the sweetness. Middle Eastern restaurants in Sydney take great pride in their baklava, showcasing the artistry and skill required to create this exquisite dessert.

Kunafa: Creamy and Cheesy

Kunafa, also known as Knafeh, is a delightful Middle Eastern dessert that seduces dessert enthusiasts with its captivating creaminess. The star of this dessert is the shredded kataifi pastry, which cradles a sumptuous filling of sweetened cheese, such as ricotta or akawie. The marriage of the crispy pastry with the creamy cheese filling creates a mesmerising textural contrast.

The kunafa is then lovingly soaked in a luxurious sugar syrup infused with either orange blossom or rosewater, rendering it irresistible to the senses. Middle Eastern restaurant Sydney skilfully craft this dessert, ensuring a perfect balance of flavours and textures, leaving patrons yearning for a second helping.

Basbousa: A Semolina Treat

Basbousa, also known as Revani or Hareeseh, is a beloved Middle Eastern semolina cake that evokes feelings of comfort and nostalgia. This moist and delicate cake is crafted with a blend of semolina, sugar, yoghurt, and butter, making it a delightful gluten-free option.

The charm of Basbousa lies in its syrup-drenched texture, courtesy of a fragrant sugar syrup infused with rosewater or orange blossom water. The symphony of flavours between the cake's crumb and the aromatic syrup ensures that each bite is a moment of pure indulgence. At Middle Eastern restaurants in Sydney, Basbousa reigns supreme, cherished by both locals and visitors alike.

Halawet el Jibn: Sweet Cheese Rolls

Halawet el Jibn, also known as Halawet el Jeben or Lebanese Nights, is a heavenly treat that beckons dessert connoisseurs with its captivating taste. These delicate cheese rolls are made from a delightful mixture of sweetened cheese, semolina, and a hint of rosewater.

Once rolled and shaped, these delectable cheese rolls are adorned with a drizzle of sugar syrup and a sprinkle of ground pistachios, adding an extra layer of richness to the dessert. Middle Eastern restaurants in Sydney serve Halawet el Jibn with utmost pride, savouring the delightful combination of sweet and savoury flavours that leave an indelible mark on the palate.

Atayef: Heavenly Stuffed Pancakes

Atayef, a delicacy popular during festive seasons and Ramadan, is a true embodiment of Middle Eastern culinary artistry. These delightful stuffed pancakes are small wonders filled with either sweet cheese or a mixture of chopped nuts, sugar, and cinnamon.

After filling, the pancakes are folded into half-moon shapes and either baked or fried until golden brown. The result is a heavenly combination of soft, fluffy pancakes with a rich, nutty or cheesy centre. Middle Eastern restaurants in Sydney embrace Atayef as a symbol of tradition and celebration, delighting their patrons during special occasions.

When dining at Middle Eastern restaurants in Sydney, make sure to leave room for dessert. The sweet endings of Middle Eastern cuisine are a treasure trove of flavours, aromas, and textures, leaving diners with unforgettable memories. From the nutty euphoria of baklava to the creamy delights of kunafa and the aromatic allure of Basbousa, each dessert tells a unique story of Middle Eastern heritage and culture.