Knafeh, Jordanian dessert

The Knafeh is one of the best known desserts in Jordan and the Middle East, with a magnificent contrast between crunchy and melting. Generally prepared with kadaïf dough (angel hair) and slightly salty cheese, it is topped with a syrup flavored with orange blossom. This gluten -free uses rice vermicelli to reproduce the crisp texture while keeping authentic flavors. Thanks to traditional oven cooking, the result is golden and caramelized, perfect for a typically Levantine gourmet break!

Preparation time 10 mins

Cooking time 35 mins

Total time 45 mins

Cooking method: traditional

Difficulty: beginner

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Knafeh base

200 g of rice vermicelli (replacing the Kadaïf dough)
100g melted butter
250 g grated mozzarella (or cheese in Knafeh)
2 Tbsp of sugar
1 tbsp orange blossom water

Syrup

150 ml of water
100 g of sugar
1 tbsp orange blossom water
1 Tbsp lemon juice

Finishing

50 g of crushed pistachios

Preparation

1
Prepare the base
- Break the rice vermicelli into small pieces and mix them with the melted butter and the sugar.
- Divide into two equal parts.
2
Assembly
- Butter a round mold (20-22 cm) and spread the first half of the vermicelli in the bottom, pressing slightly.
- Distribute the grated cheese evenly on this layer.
- Cover with the rest of the vermicelli and press well to tamp.
3
Cooking
- Preheat the oven to 180 ° C (rotating heat).
- Cook for 30 minutes , until the surface is golden brown.
- If necessary, go into grill mode the last 3 minutes for an even more crisp effect.
4
Finalization
- As soon as the oven is released, pour the hot syrup over the still hot knafeh.
- Let stand for 5 minutes so that it absorbs the syrup well.
- Sprinkle with crushed pistachios and serve immediately.

Keywords: gluten-free knafeh, gluten-free Jordanian recipe, traditional oriental dessert, medieval pastry, knafeh recipe in the oven