Shredded Filo and Cheese Pastry / Künefe

A famous dessert from the antique city of Hatay.

Course Dessert

Cuisine Turkish

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 20

Total Time 50

Servings 10 servings

Calories 150kcal

Start with preparing the syrup as it needs to cool.
Prepare the syrup by putting the water and sugar in a small pot. Mixing occasionally will be enough.
When the water boils add; a quarter of a lemon's juice. After 10 minutes close the heat and set aside to cool.

Spread the kadayif /filo threads with your fingers. Then cut to 1 cm thick pieces.
Melt the butter.
Spread the butter in your oven tray or dish.
Also add a tablespoon of molasses all around.
Sprinkle half of the kadayif on your over tray.
Press down the kadayif with the palm of your hand or with the back of a glass or a bowl.
Sprinkle with some butter.
Grate or shred the cheese and spread it on top of the kadayif that you have pressed down. Leave about a centimeter in the corners without cheese, so they do not come out melting when baked.
On top spread the remaining kadayif. Again press down.
On top pour the remaining butter and the second tablespoon of molasses.
Cook in a pre-heated oven at 200° Celsius until golden on top and bottom. Cooks very quickly, will be ready in about 15-20 minutes.
As soon as you take the künefe (now we call it) out of the oven pour the syrup gently all over. Serve warm.
A tablespoon of kaymak (clotted cream) or a vanilla ice cream will be a perfect companion. Also sprinkle some grounded pistachhio if available.