Plant-Based Kunafa Cheese Treat (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Kunafa Base
01 -
1 lb shredded kataifi phyllo strands
02 -
1 cup plant-based butter
→ Dairy-Free Filling
03 -
1 ¼ cup soaked cashews (soak at least 2 hours for standard blenders)
04 -
5 cups hot water
05 -
¾ cup tapioca starch
06 -
1.5 tablespoon olive oil
07 -
1.5 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
08 -
1.5 teaspoon salt
→ Fragrant Citrus Syrup
09 -
1 cup water
10 -
2 cups coconut or unrefined sugar (darker sugars create caramel tones)
11 -
1 teaspoon lemon juice
12 -
1 tablespoon orange blossom water
→ Garnish
13 -
Chopped pistachios
# Instructions:
01 -
Set your oven to 350°F and let it warm up.
02 -
Trim the kataifi to fit your food processor. Pulse until you get small, crumbled pieces.
03 -
Warm the plant-based butter until melted. Put your shredded dough in a big bowl, pour butter over it, and mix well until every strand is buttery.
04 -
Lightly oil a 9x13-inch dish or 12-inch round pan. Split your dough in two piles. Press the first half into the bottom and sides of your pan.
05 -
Throw all filling ingredients into a powerful blender and mix until completely smooth. You might need to do this in batches.
06 -
Pour your blended stuff into a big pot over medium-high heat. Keep stirring until it gets stretchy like melted cheese, about 5 minutes.
07 -
Pour your cheese-like mix over the first dough layer. Let it cool for 5 minutes, then sprinkle the other half of dough on top and gently press it down.
08 -
Stick your kunafa in the oven for 35-45 minutes until the top turns nice and brown.
09 -
In a pot, mix sugar and water over medium-high heat. Keep stirring until it boils, add lemon juice and let it bubble for 3-5 minutes. Add your orange blossom water and put aside.
10 -
Take the kunafa out and let it sit for 5 minutes. If you want, flip it onto a serving plate by putting a large plate on top and turning everything over.
11 -
Scatter pistachios on top and drizzle about ¼-⅓ of your syrup all over. Serve it warm with extra syrup on the side. Cut and dig in!
# Notes:
01 -
This plant-based twist on kunafa swaps traditional dairy for a cashew cheese alternative and uses plant butter.