So today we were looking for what desserts to make and our eyes came upon the Middle Eastern Halva! That's when we decided it had to be the Middle Eastern desserts day today.

We have listed some of the best Middle Eastern desserts for you. The options are simply endless. But of course that is not us! We wouldn't just show up the list of recipes and disappear. Before we get to that, here are some tips and simple instructions that can help you to understand Middle Eastern desserts better.
We shall pick up the example of Kunfeh from Palestine, a creamy pie-like dessert at first. Let's see how this one is made before we move on to the rest.
Know more about making Middle Eastern desserts_ Knafeh
Also known as Kunafa, this is a Middle Eastern dessert that you might have heard of. Served in restaurants and popular across the world, we got quite fascinated by the concept of this dessert and thought why not try this out at home? And guess what? We did! And that's what we will be sharing with you. The story of our journey.
This is a layered crispy pastry which is soaked in cheese and loads of syrup. Isn't it sounding too tempting to miss out on? Well, that's 100% true.
Food experts and historians believe that this dessert is pretty old and might have originated in Nablus, a small city in Palestine. It is believed that this dessert came into being centuries ago. Crunchy outside and gooey inside, this recipe is truly fabulous. Easier the dessert used to be made from Nabulsi cheese, found in the local region. Today you can use any kind of cheese that you want.
Ingredients that you are likely to need for making Knafeh at home- Best Middle Eastern Desserts
Coming to the ingredients that you shall need for making the Middle Eastern Desserts, here are things you should not miss out on.
Do you know what is the best part about this dessert? It does not require too many ingredients. In fact, the things you need are more or less present in every basic household.
- Kataifi- This is shredded phyllo pastry. Break it into smaller and finer sections for this dessert.
- Ghee- To give a sense of enrichment and flavor.
- Food color- Usually a red food color is used for the recipe.
- Sweet cheese- You cannot make a typical knafeh without some cheese. In fact, this is what is used as the main filling.
- Ricotta cheese or fresh mozzarella cheese- Use some fresh ricotta cheese or mozzarella cheese in its content for the stretching and pulling effect.
- Sugar- For the distinct sweet flavor.
- Rosewater effect- This is optional subjected to availability.
- Pistachios- Sprinkle some sliced and crunchy bits of pistachios as the topping.
Simple steps to make kunafa at home_ Best Middle Eastern desserts
Well, now it is time for us to bake. The process is pretty simple. Just follow the steps we have for you and your delicious Middle Eastern cheese dessert shall be ready in no time.
Start with preparing the cheese first. To express the flavor of the cheese better, soak it in water for at least two hours. Slice it up into smaller sections and place it on the paper towel so that the excess moisture gets soaked up.
Then you need to prepare and process the kataifi. In this step, you are expected to shred the phyllo with your hand. Now mix the melted ghee with some food coloring and use your hands to spread this on the surface of the phyllo. This way every strand is marinated well in the reddish tint.
Finally, you need to layer the phyllo or the kataifi. Lay on the baking sheet with layers of cheese in alternate columns and your delicious dessert is almost done. Baking is the only thing that is left now. Press down firmly so that the crust is well formed.
The oven is preheated at 450°F for this purpose. Then you need to bake the dessert for at least about thirty to forty minutes for a perfect result. The syrup of sugar, water, and rose water is prepared while the dish bakes inside the oven.
Once baking is done, soak the dish in the syrup and serve your dessert fresh and juicy on the table. We grew to become an absolute fan of this recipe the moment we had a bite and we can guarantee that you will feel the same way.
But there is more for you. Delectable and best Middle Eastern Desserts, all listed for you below. Have a look and let us know which one of these you wish to make at home. Enjoy your baking session. Good luck.
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