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Kataifi recipe with shredded filo dough, filled with nuts, and drizzled with sweet syrup – a traditional Middle Eastern dessert.

How To Make Kataifi From Scratch


  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 12 rolls 1x

Description

A step-by-step guide to making traditional Kataifi from scratch—crispy shredded dough rolls filled with sweetened nuts and soaked in aromatic syrup.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 500g kataifi dough (shredded filo)
  • 1/2 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 1 cup ground walnuts or pistachios
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon powder (optional)
  • 1 tbsp rosewater or orange blossom water
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • For the Syrup:
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thaw the kataifi dough if frozen.
  2. Melt the butter and mix in the ground nuts, cinnamon, and honey. Set aside to cool.
  3. Spread kataifi dough on parchment paper and brush with melted butter.
  4. Spoon nut mixture into the center and roll tightly into small coils.
  5. Place rolls on a baking sheet and bake for 45 minutes until golden and crisp.
  6. While baking, prepare the syrup: combine water, sugar, and lemon juice, bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Add rosewater or orange blossom if desired.
  7. Pour warm syrup over hot kataifi once out of the oven and let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use enough butter to ensure a crispy texture and make sure syrup is warm when pouring. Avoid overcrowding rolls on the baking tray.

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Sodium: 50mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 20mg

Keywords: kataifi, Middle Eastern dessert, shredded dough, syrup pastry