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What is Kataifi?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Kataifi is a popular Middle Eastern pastry made with a special form of shredded phyllo dough that is also called kataifi. Most forms are sweets, typically with nuts and honey which make them flavorful, crunchy, and very sweet. However, some cooks also use the dough to make unique savory appetizers that may be made with ground meat or vegetables. Many Middle Eastern bakeries stock kataifi, and it is also possible to make pastries with it at home, for cooks with steady hands and patience.

The dough used to make kataifi is a form of phyllo dough, a very thin dough made with wheat and water. However, this dough is shredded into very thin strips, rather than being sold in large sheets. In areas where packaged dough is not available, cooks can create their own by purchasing a roll of regular phyllo dough and cutting it into strips once it has thawed. When working with the dough, remember to keep it covered in a cloth when not in use, and try to move quickly, ensuring that it does not dry out.

Walnuts are a common ingredient in kataifi.
Walnuts are a common ingredient in kataifi.

To make traditional sweet pastries, cooks blend a mixture of sugar syrup, nuts, and honey. The syrup is made by heating water, sugar, and other ingredients such as cloves and orange essence until the mixture thickens. Nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or pistachios are rolled in the syrup and drizzled with honey, and scooped into strips of buttered kataifi dough before being rolled up into tight little logs for baking.

Cloves are typically used to make the syrup that goes into kataifi.
Cloves are typically used to make the syrup that goes into kataifi.

The melted butter used for kataifi saturates the dough, ensuring that it crisps and browns during the baking process. When finished, it has a sweet, gooey core surrounded by layers of fluffy, delicate pastry that melts in the mouth, since it is so thin. Cooks may also drizzle their finished product with honey or orange syrup to add to the sweetness.

Honey is a common ingredient in kataifi.
Honey is a common ingredient in kataifi.

Like many Middle Eastern desserts, kataifi can seem intensely sweet to people who are unfamiliar with the large amounts of honey and sugar used. The sweetness pairs well with dark, savory beverages like Turkish coffee or alcoholic drinks like raki and ouzo. Kataifi are usually served with dessert, often with an assortment of similar sweets for people to choose from. Savory options can be offered as appetizers, and they may integrate ingredients like spices and garlic.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a DelightedCooking researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon159017

Where can I buy kataifi dough? I have called everywhere and looked up mediterranean and greek markets but no luck. I need it like yesterday. I live in Minneapolis MN The only places I've seen are online purchase but I don't have time for that. Thanks

anon119383

I used this wonderful ingredient yesterday for the first time. It was easy to use. I wrapped threads of pastry around banana prawns, shallow fry till lightly golden serve with honey soy sauce. fantastic -- a real winner at my lunch.

galen84basc

@TunaLine -- The only thing I know to tell you is to make sure your pan is deep enough, and to be really careful not to let your filling stick to the bottom.

It is so easy to scorch the filling when making this dessert, so make sure to keep stirring.

If you are not really an experienced cook, why don't you try some other Greek recipes first?

Something like spanakopita may be an easier one to start on.

TunaLine

Does anybody have some good tips for a first-timer on how to make kataifi?

I really want to try to make it, but I keep getting intimidated by all the recipes I see!

Is it really that hard, or are there tips to make it easier?

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    • Walnuts are a common ingredient in kataifi.
      By: mates
      Walnuts are a common ingredient in kataifi.
    • Cloves are typically used to make the syrup that goes into kataifi.
      By: bergamont
      Cloves are typically used to make the syrup that goes into kataifi.
    • Honey is a common ingredient in kataifi.
      By: tetxu
      Honey is a common ingredient in kataifi.
    • Almonds, which are sometimes included in kataifi.
      By: Dmitry Rukhlenko
      Almonds, which are sometimes included in kataifi.
    • Garlic, which is used in making savory kataifi.
      By: Natika
      Garlic, which is used in making savory kataifi.