Kataifi is a popular Cypriot dessert made with finely chopped mixed nuts that are wrapped into buttered crispy stringy pastry. This dessert is scented with ground clove and cinnamon and is then bathed in lemon-scented syrup. This dessert is served throughout the year and is readily available in most bakeries on the island. There are many homemade variations of this recipe, but this one tries to keep everything simple.
HOW TO MAKE KATAIFI
Ingredients:
1 cup of melted unsalted butter
A Standard packet of Kataifi dough or thinly shredded filo pastry
1 cup of mixed chopped almonds, walnuts and pistachios
1/2 a cup of sugar
1 cup of water
1 teaspoon of lemon juice
1/2 a teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 cup of honey or syrup for drizzling
Instructions:
Pre heat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Grease a baking tray with a little butter.
Take the kataifi dough out of the packet and carefully pull apart, gently separating the strands.
Place a layer of dough at the bottom of the greased baking dish, pressing it down lightly to form a crust.
Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the dough.
Place another layer of dough on top of the nuts, pressing down lightly again.
Continue this process finishing with a layer of dough on top.
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the into desired shapes, usually squares or diamonds.
Evenly coat the Kataifi with some of the melted butter.
Place the Kataifi into the pre heated oven and bake for about 30 to 40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy.
Prepare the syrup by placing the sugar, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon into a saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Allow the syrup to slightly thicken and then pour over the hot kataifi.
Drizzle with honey or any extra syrup if desired and then serve warm or at room temperature.
