Kadaif with Pistachios and Honey

Ingredients

• 250g (9 oz) shredded phyllo dough (kadaif) 250g (9 oz) shredded phyllo dough (kadaif)
• 200g (7 oz) roasted pistachios, crushed 200g (7 oz) roasted pistachios, crushed
• 150g (5.3 oz) unsalted butter, melted 150g (5.3 oz) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup (240ml) water 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) honey 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 42g, 25g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the shredded phyllo dough and melted butter. Mix well until the butter is evenly distributed.
3. 3.
   Take half of the phyllo dough mixture and spread it evenly on the bottom of a greased baking dish.
4. 4.
   Sprinkle the crushed pistachios over the phyllo dough layer.
5. 5.
   Cover the pistachio layer with the remaining phyllo dough mixture, pressing it gently to create an even surface.
6. 6.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the Kadaif turns golden brown and crispy.
7. 7.
   While the Kadaif is baking, prepare the honey syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, honey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once the sugar has dissolved, reduce the heat and let the syrup simmer for 5 minutes.
8. 8.
   Remove the Kadaif from the oven and pour the hot honey syrup evenly over the top. Allow the Kadaif to cool and absorb the syrup for at least 1 hour before serving.
9. 9.
   Serve the Pistachio and Honey Kadaif at room temperature and enjoy the delightful combination of textures and flavors.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Shredded phyllo dough (kadaif) — Make sure to thaw the dough according to the package instructions before using. Handle it gently to prevent it from clumping together.
• Roasted pistachios — For the best flavor, use high-quality roasted pistachios. If using unsalted pistachios, add a pinch of salt to the filling mixture for a balanced taste.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispier texture, you can brush some melted butter on top of the Kadaif before baking.
• For an extra touch of indulgence, serve the Pistachio and Honey Kadaif with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• If you prefer a stronger honey flavor, you can substitute half of the granulated sugar in the syrup with honey.

Serving advice

Serve the Pistachio and Honey Kadaif as a dessert after a delicious Turkish meal. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of Turkish tea or a shot of strong black coffee.

Presentation advice

Garnish each serving of Pistachio and Honey Kadaif with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios and a drizzle of honey for an elegant and inviting presentation. Serve it on a decorative plate or dessert platter to showcase its golden beauty.