Kantaifi (Κανταΐφι)

• Prep time: 30 mins

• Cook time: 45 mins

• Total time: 1 hr 15 mins

• Servings: 12 pieces

• Country of origin: Greece

• Description: Crisp, shredded kataifi dough wrapped around a spiced nut center and drenched in fragrant honey syrup.

• Presentation: Individual rolled logs served with a dusting of ground cinnamon or crushed pistachios.

• Ingredients:

  • 1 lb kataifi (shredded phyllo) dough

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

  • 2 cups chopped walnuts and almonds

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp ground cloves

  • 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1 1/2 cups water, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 cinnamon stick (for syrup)

• Step-by-step directions:

  • Combine chopped nuts, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl.

  • Gently loosen kataifi dough strands with your fingers.

  • Take a small strip of dough, place a tablespoon of nut filling near one end, and roll tightly into a log.

  • Place rolls side-by-side in a buttered baking dish.

  • Pour melted butter evenly over all the rolls.

  • Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes until golden and crisp.

  • Simmer water, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick for 10 minutes to prepare syrup; let cool.

  • Ladle cool syrup over the hot rolls straight out of the oven.

• Optional variations: Add a layer of pastry cream under shredded dough (Ekmek Kataifi).

• Cooking tips: Keep unused kataifi dough covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out while working.

• Nutrition facts:

  • Calories: 360 kcal

  • Fat: 19g

  • Carbohydrates: 44g

  • Protein: 5g