Konafa

Konafa is a traditional Middle Eastern dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, sweet cheese, and a sweet syrup.

Ingredients - Serves 8

Preheat the oven to 350°F.
In a large bowl, combine the shredded phyllo dough and melted butter. Mix well to ensure the butter is evenly distributed.
Press half of the phyllo dough mixture into the bottom of a greased baking dish to form a crust.
Spread the grated sweet cheese evenly over the phyllo dough crust.
Cover the cheese with the remaining phyllo dough mixture, pressing it down gently.
Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the konafa is golden brown and crispy.
While the konafa is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, lemon juice, and rose water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove the konafa from the oven and pour the hot syrup evenly over the top. Allow the konafa to cool for at least 30 minutes to absorb the syrup.
Sprinkle the chopped pistachios over the konafa before serving.
Cut into squares or wedges and serve warm or at room temperature.