Kunafa Cheese Pull: Crispy & Gooey, 40% Fewer Calories

This showstopping Middle Eastern dessert features golden shredded pastry wrapped around melting cheese, drizzled with aromatic syrup. Our Fat Switch swaps heavy butter and full-fat cheese for lighter alternatives, cutting 230 calories per serving while keeping the signature pull-apart texture completely intact.

25m

Prep Time

35m

Cook Time

Servings

348

Calories

18g

Protein

🛒 Ingredients

✓ 250g shredded kataifi pastry (filo strands)
✓ 3 tbsp light olive oil
✓ Cooking spray (oil or butter)
✓ 1 tsp ground pistachios for garnish
✓ 1 tsp rose water (optional)
✓ Pinch of ground cardamom
✓ 200g low-fat ricotta cheese
✓ 150g fresh mozzarella, cut into 6 logs
✓ 2/3 cup honey
✓ 1/3 cup water
✓ 1 cinnamon stick
✓ 3-4 cloves
✓ 1 tbsp lemon juice
✓ 1 tsp vanilla extract

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine honey, water, cinnamon stick, and cloves. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 8 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Set aside to cool completely. Remove whole spices before serving.

2. Mix the Cheese Filling: In a small bowl, gently fold the ricotta with cardamom and rose water (if using). Keep the mozzarella logs separate and ready for assembly.

3. Prepare the Pastry: Thaw kataifi pastry according to package directions. Gently separate the strands with your fingers to ensure even, fluffy texture. Divide into 6 equal portions.

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4. Assemble Each Roll: Lay one portion of kataifi strands flat on a clean surface, forming a rough rectangle. Spread 2 tbsp ricotta mixture across the center. Place one mozzarella log on top. Gently roll up like a cigar, tucking the sides in as you go. The pastry should partially encase the cheese.

5. Oil and Arrange: Brush a baking sheet lightly with olive oil. Arrange all 6 rolls seam-side down, spacing them 2 inches apart. Lightly brush the top and sides of each roll with remaining olive oil using a pastry brush, then spray with cooking spray for extra crispness.

6. Bake Until Golden: Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 30–35 minutes until the pastry is deeply golden and crispy. The cheese will begin peeking through in places, which is perfect.

7. Pour Warm Syrup: Remove kunafa from oven and immediately pour or drizzle the warm honey syrup over each roll, allowing it to soak into the crispy pastry. Work quickly while the pastry is hot to maximize syrup absorption.

8. Garnish and Rest: Sprinkle ground pistachios over each roll. Let cool for 3–4 minutes before serving, allowing the cheese to set slightly while remaining warm and pullable.

📊 Nutrition per Serving

Calories348 kcal

Protein18g

Carbohydrates58g

Fat9g

🏷️ Tags

#kunafa recipe low calorie#Middle Eastern dessert healthier#crispy cheese pastry lighter version

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