Kanafeh facts for kids

Making kanafeh in Cairo

Kanafeh Nabulsieh from Nablus, Palestine.

Kanafeh is a super delicious dessert from the Middle East. It's a sweet cake made with soft cheese and thin, crispy noodles called kadaif. After it's baked, a sweet syrup is poured over it, making it extra yummy! It's often enjoyed during special times and celebrations.

Discovering Kanafeh

Kanafeh is a very popular sweet treat in many countries. You can find it in places like Palestine, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, and Turkey. It's loved for its special texture. The outside is crunchy and golden, while the inside is soft and gooey with melted cheese. People usually eat kanafeh warm. Sometimes, they add a scoop of ice cream or sprinkle crushed pistachios on top.

How is Kanafeh Made?

Making kanafeh involves a few important steps. First, the special noodles are prepared. Then, a layer of cheese is added. Finally, it's baked until golden and soaked in sweet syrup.

The Special Noodles

The main part of kanafeh is made from very thin noodles called kadaif or kataifi. These noodles look like fine strands of pasta. They are often made from flour and water. Before baking, the noodles are usually mixed with melted butter or ghee. This makes them crispy and golden when cooked.

The Cheesy Center

The middle layer of kanafeh is filled with cheese. The type of cheese can vary. In some places, a mild, stretchy cheese like Nabulsi cheese is used. This cheese doesn't get too salty. It melts perfectly, creating a gooey, delicious center. Sometimes, other soft, unsalted cheeses are used instead.

Sweet Syrup and Toppings

Once the kanafeh is baked, a warm, sweet syrup is poured over it. This syrup is usually made from sugar, water, and a touch of orange blossom water or rose water. The syrup soaks into the noodles and cheese, making the dessert wonderfully sweet and moist. To finish, kanafeh is often decorated with crushed pistachios. This adds a nice green color and a nutty crunch.

Where Does Kanafeh Come From?

The exact origin of kanafeh is a bit of a mystery. Many people believe it first came from the city of Nablus in Palestine. This is why a famous type is called Kanafeh Nabulsieh. It has been a beloved dessert in the Middle East for hundreds of years. It was even enjoyed during the time of the Ottoman Empire.

Popular in Many Countries

Kanafeh is not just popular in Palestine. It is a cherished dessert across many countries. Each region might have its own special way of making it.

• In Turkey, it's called künefe. It's often served with a special clotted cream called kaymak.
• In Egypt, it's a favorite during the holy month of Ramadan.
• In Greece and Cyprus, a similar dessert called kataifi is popular. It uses the same noodles but often has a nut filling instead of cheese.

Different Kinds of Kanafeh

There are a few main styles of kanafeh, mostly based on the type of noodles used:

• Kanafeh Na'ama: This type uses very fine, almost powdery kadaif noodles. It gives the dessert a smooth texture.
• Kanafeh Khishneh: This version uses coarser, longer strands of kadaif noodles. This makes the outside extra crispy.
• Mbrwma: This means "twined" or "rolled." In this style, the noodles are wrapped around the cheese filling. It looks like a log or roll.

No matter the style, kanafeh is a delightful dessert. It brings people together and is a true taste of Middle Eastern culture.

Images for kids

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  Mbrwma (twined) kanafeh

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  A siniyyeh (tray) of Kanafeh

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  Turkish künefe and Turkish tea

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  Greek kataifi

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  Knafeh in Jerusalem

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  Kanafeh (na'ama) fine

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  Knafeh Nabulsieh

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  Knafeh shop, old city of Jerusalem

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  Knafeh with pistachio