Palestinian Knafeh recipe by Wafa Shami
PUBLISHED: NOV 22, 2023 BY WAFA SHAMI.
Palestinian knafeh is considered the most traditional and the most iconic dessert perhaps not only in Palestine but also across the Middle East.
Knafeh typically consists of shredded or finely ground dough mixed in ghee or melted butter, layered with stretchy cheese, baked then soaked in sugar syrup (ater).
It is delicious, slightly crunchy on the outside, cheesy, and gooey on the inside, with a unique combination of textures and flavors.
Knafeh is one of the most popular desserts in Palestine and one of my favorites. I grew up enjoying eating knafeh during many occasions, festivities, and celebrations. A dessert that is loved by children and adults.
A traditional and popular Arabic term that is commonly used amongst Palestinians goes something like “ahalikum“, which is more like I’d like to treat you to a dessert, literally means “I’d like to sweeten your mouth” in which one would bring knafeh to share with family and friends in a celebration of an occasion, whether a big or small; from getting a new job, a work promotion, a school or college graduation or buying a house…etc. Knafeh is the first to pick dessert for such fun occasions.
WHAT IS KNAFEH?
Knafeh (also spelled knafah, kunafa, kinafeh, or kanafih) is a popular Palestinian and Middle Eastern dessert that is enjoyed on various occasions. Knafeh typically consists of shredded or finely ground dough (usually made from wheat), layered with a sweet and cheesy filling, and then drizzled with sugar syrup and garnished with crushed pistachios.
It is believed that knafeh originated in the city of Nablus, a Palestinian city in the West Bank, famous for “Knafeh Nabulsi”, which is made with the local Nabulsi cheese. This variation is characterized by its use of white cheese, thin strands of shredded dough, and aromatic sugar syrup. Knafeh Nabulsi is particularly famous and has contributed to the overall reputation of knafeh in the Middle East and beyond.
There are different regional variations of knafeh, but the most common types are: Knafeh Khishneh – rough, Na’meh – fine, or Mabroumeh – twined
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