Syrian Knafeh Bil Jibneh
Knafeh Bil Jibneh is a popular Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough (kadaif) layered with a mild, meltable cheese and soaked in a sweet syrup. It's known for its delightful contrast of crispy, golden dough and gooey, savory-sweet cheese.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Shredded phyllo dough (kadaif)
- 150 g Unsalted butter(melted)
- 300 g Akawi cheese(desalted and grated or finely chopped)
- 100 g Mozzarella cheese(shredded, for extra meltiness)
- 250 ml Water(for syrup)
- 250 g Granulated sugar(for syrup)
- 1 tsp Rose water
- 50 g Pistachios(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the cheese: If using salty Akawi cheese, soak it in cold water for at least 2-4 hours, changing the water every 30 minutes, until it's no longer salty. Drain well and grate or finely chop.
- 2
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). In a large bowl, combine the shredded phyllo dough with the melted butter. Mix thoroughly with your hands until every strand is coated.
- 3
Press half of the buttered phyllo dough evenly into the bottom of a greased 9-inch round baking pan or a similar sized rectangular pan.
- 4
Spread the prepared Akawi cheese and shredded mozzarella evenly over the bottom layer of phyllo dough.
- 5
Top the cheese layer with the remaining buttered phyllo dough, pressing gently to cover completely.
- 6
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- 7
While the knafeh bakes, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine water and sugar. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in rose water and let cool.
- 8
Once the knafeh is out of the oven, immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot dessert. It will sizzle.
- 9
Garnish with chopped pistachios. Let it sit for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving warm.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the Akawi cheese is well desalted, as it can be very salty.
- ✓Use good quality butter for the best flavor and crispiness.
- ✓The syrup should be cool when poured over the hot knafeh for the best texture.
🔄 Variations
- Add a pinch of orange food coloring to the phyllo dough mixture for a traditional vibrant color.
- Use a mix of cheeses like Nabulsi, Halloumi, or even ricotta.
- Add a layer of clotted cream (ashta) in the middle for an extra decadent version.