Turkish Kunefe with Smoked Lardons
A rich and creamy Turkish dessert featuring crispy shredded phyllo pastry, cheese, and caramelized sugar, topped with smoked lardons.
Ingredients
- ●1 package (about 1 pound) Phyllo PastryThawed
- ●1 pound Kunefe CheeseAlso known as string cheese
- ●1 cup Granulated SugarCaramelized sugar adds a rich flavor
- ●1/2 cup Smoked LardonsSmoked to perfection
- ●1/4 cup Unsalted ButterMelted for brushing phyllo pastry
- ●1 cup WaterUsed to brush phyllo pastry
- ●2 tablespoons Vegetable OilFor frying phyllo pastry
- ●1 teaspoon Ground CardamomA pinch of warm spice
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2
Caramelize the sugar by heating it in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden brown.
- 3
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter and mix with the ground cardamom.
- 4
Cut the kunefe cheese into small pieces and set aside.
- 5
Layer the phyllo pastry in a baking dish, brushing each layer with melted butter and water.
- 6
Sprinkle the kunefe cheese over the phyllo pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
- 7
Drizzle the caramelized sugar over the cheese and sprinkle with smoked lardons.
- 8
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the phyllo pastry is golden brown and crispy.
- 9
Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5-7 minutes.
- 10
Serve warm and enjoy!
- 11
Optional: Fry some extra phyllo pastry strips in vegetable oil and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a crunchy topping.