Mediterranean Flavors
Künefe (Turkish Cheese Dessert with Syrup)
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DessertsDifficulty: medium

Künefe (Turkish Cheese Dessert with Syrup)

Antep's legendary dessert: a hot crust of shredded kadayıf over molten stretchy cheese, soaked in syrup and crowned with pistachios.

20
Prep Time
15
Cook Time
4
Servings

Ingredients

Instructions

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1Simmer sugar and water 10 minutes with the lemon; cool completely — hot syrup on hot künefe is the classic mistake.
2Shred the kadayıf finely; toss with the melted butter.
3In a small metal tray (or non-stick pan): press half the kadayıf into an even layer; cover with sliced cheese; top with the rest.
4Cook over medium-low heat, sliding onto a plate and flipping once, until both faces are deep golden and the cheese melts, 5–6 minutes per side.
5While still screaming hot, pour the cold syrup over — it crackles and soaks in.
6Crowd with crushed pistachios; serve immediately, pulling the cheese strands at the table.

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