Kataifi (Shredded Phyllo Nests)

🧂 Ingredients

• 500 g Kataifi dough (shredded phyllo)(Ensure it's thawed if frozen. Keep covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent drying.)
• 200 g Walnuts(Finely chopped. Toasting them lightly beforehand enhances flavor.)
• 100 g Pistachios(Roughly chopped. For color and texture.)
• 200 g Unsalted Butter(Melted. Use good quality butter for best flavor.)
• 400 g Granulated Sugar(For the syrup.)
• 400 ml Water(For the syrup.)
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice(Freshly squeezed. Helps prevent syrup crystallization and adds brightness.)
• 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon(Optional, for the nut filling. Adds warmth and spice.)
• 0.25 tsp Ground Cloves(Optional, for the nut filling. Use sparingly.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently for about 10-12 minutes, without stirring, until slightly thickened. The syrup should coat the back of a spoon. Remove from heat and let it cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial for the texture of the finished dessert.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
2. 2

   Prepare the kataifi dough: Gently unravel the kataifi dough strands. If they are tightly packed, you may need to use your fingers to tease them apart into finer threads. Place the unraveled dough in a large bowl. Pour the melted butter over the dough. Using your hands, toss and mix the dough thoroughly, ensuring every strand is coated in butter. Work relatively quickly to prevent the dough from drying out.

   ⏱️ 15 minutes
3. 3

   Prepare the nut filling: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped walnuts and pistachios. If using, stir in the ground cinnamon and cloves. Mix well.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Assemble the nests: Take a portion of the buttered kataifi dough (about a generous handful). Shape it into a nest or a small cup-like form in your palm. Fill the center of the nest with a tablespoon or two of the nut mixture. Gently press the edges of the dough around the filling to enclose it slightly, or leave it open as preferred. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling, placing the formed nests on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are not touching.

   ⏱️ 20 minutes
5. 5

   Bake the kataifi: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake the assembled kataifi nests for 30-35 minutes, or until they are a deep golden brown and wonderfully crisp. Keep an eye on them as they can brown quickly.

   ⏱️ 30-35 minutes
6. 6

   Syrup the pastry: As soon as the kataifi nests come out of the hot oven, immediately and evenly ladle the *cold* syrup over the *hot* pastries. You should hear a satisfying sizzle. Allow the kataifi to soak in the syrup for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer if time permits, to fully absorb the sweetness and soften slightly.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes (active pouring) + 20 minutes soaking
7. 7

   Serve: Arrange the syrup-soaked kataifi on a serving platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pistachios, if desired. Kataifi is best served warm or at room temperature.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Work quickly when handling the kataifi dough, as it dries out very fast. Keep it covered with a damp cloth or plastic wrap when not actively working with it.
• ✓The contrast between hot pastry and cold syrup is essential for achieving the perfect texture – crispy exterior with a moist, syrup-soaked interior.
• ✓Allowing the kataifi to soak in the syrup for an extended period (even up to an hour) will result in a softer, more intensely sweet dessert.
• ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a tablespoon of orange blossom water or rose water to the cooled syrup.
• ✓If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the syrup slightly, but be aware it might affect the consistency.

🔄 Variations

• Cream Filling: Prepare a thick, sweetened custard or clotted cream (kaymak) and use it as a filling instead of nuts. Add the filling after baking and before syrupping, or serve alongside.
• Different Nuts: Experiment with other nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, or even a mix of your favorites.
• Spiced Filling: Add more warming spices like cardamom or nutmeg to the nut mixture.
• Individual Portions: Shape smaller nests for bite-sized treats.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving