In Greece, Christmas baking is a cherished tradition filled with delicious treats that warm the heart and soul. One such delightful creation is Kataifi – a scrumptious shredded phyllo pastry filled with a rich, nutty filling. This indulgent dessert is a true masterpiece of Greek cuisine, perfect for spreading holiday cheer and joy at any festive gathering.
Title: Kataifi Shredded Phyllo Pastry With Nuts
Ingredients:
– 1 package of kataifi (shredded phyllo pastry)
– 1 cup of mixed nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, and pistachios), finely chopped
– 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1 cup of honey
– 1/2 cup of water
– Additional nuts for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish or tray.
2. In a large mixing bowl, gently separate the kataifi strands using your fingers, ensuring they are airy and not clumped together.
3. Combine the chopped nuts with the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and orange zest in a separate bowl. Mix well to evenly distribute the flavors.
4. Take a handful of the kataifi and spread it out on a clean work surface. Drizzle a bit of the melted butter over the pastry and sprinkle a layer of the nut mixture on top.
5. Carefully roll the kataifi around the nut filling to form a log shape. Repeat this process until all the kataifi and filling are used up.
6. Place the kataifi rolls in the prepared baking dish, arranging them snugly next to each other.
7. Brush the remaining melted butter over the top of the kataifi rolls, ensuring they are coated generously.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
9. While the kataifi is baking, prepare the syrup by combining the honey and water in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
10. Once the kataifi is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm honey syrup over the hot pastry, allowing it to soak in and infuse the dessert with sweetness.
11. Let the Kataifi Shredded Phyllo Pastry With Nuts cool slightly before serving. For an extra flourish, sprinkle some additional chopped nuts on top for a decorative touch.
Enjoy this festive Greek delicacy with a cup of hot tea or coffee, and savor the harmonious blend of crunchy phyllo pastry and fragrant nut filling. Kataifi is a delightful treat that embodies the spirit of Christmas and is sure to delight your guests with its unique flavors and textures. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this heavenly dessert and spread joy this holiday season.
