Kadaif Dessert, (or Turkish Tel Kadayif), is a popular and unique Turkish dessert typically served during the holy month of Ramadan. It is made with layers of crispy, shredded filo pastry base filled with a rich and nutty walnut mixture, and then baked until crispy. The dessert is then soaked in a sweet syrup, adding an extra layer of flavor and moisture. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dessert a truly special and unforgettable experience. If you're a fan of nuts and sweet treats, Kadaif Dessert is definitely a must-try.
Kadaif - also known as "kadayif", "qatayef", "katayef", or "kataifi" is a traditional dessert from Turkey, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean.
It's made with shredded phyllo pastry dough that's as thin as angel hair pasta. The pastry is filled with chopped nuts, typically pistachios, walnuts, or almonds.
After baking, the dessert is soaked in sweet syrup to create a crispy and sweet treat.
Kadaif dessert has been present for centuries across the Middle East, Mediterranean, and Turkey.
The earliest recipe for kadaif was found in a 15th-century Ottoman cookbook called "Melceü’t-Tabbâhîn".
It was called "tel kadayif" and was made with shredded wheat, honey, and pistachios.
Other than the kadaif pastry, you'll need to gather a few more things:
- Butter - Use good quality unsalted butter for the best results. You can substitute it with ghee.
- Sugar - Both caster sugar and granulated sugar work perfectly for the syrup.
- Walnuts - Lightly toast them in the oven and crush them before using. You can substitute walnuts with pecan nuts or pistachio nuts.