Oriental sweets are one of the most attractive things that attract people in different countries, especially on official occasions and special occasions, as they are a sign of generosity, and we find that Creamed Kanafeh One of the most popular desserts, especially during Ramadan and all year round, is the Kunafa One of the most important Arabic dessert dishes that are often emphasized.
Kanafeh nomenclature
The name Kunafa is due to the fact that it is an Arabic word derived from the word kanaf, which means to surround something, and this is due to the fact that it is always surrounded by the filling of cream, nuts, mangoes and other various fillings.
History and Origin of Kunafa
Most accounts suggest that Kunafa was discovered during the reign of Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan at the time of his governorship of the Levant.
He recounts that he was the first one to eat it, and it was at the time of Suhoor during the holy month of Ramadan.
This is because Muawiya Ibn Abi Sufyan was very hungry and thirsty during the fasting hours.
Kanafeh was a prescription given to him by Muhammad ibn Athal, a physician, to prevent him from feeling hungry and thirsty.
Kunafa was a dessert made especially for Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, which is why it was initially called "Muawiya's Kunafa".
Kunafa during the Fatimid era
Kunafa became very famous and widespread during the Fatimid era and was one of the sweets that was eaten throughout the year, and those who did not eat it throughout the year ate it specifically in the month of Ramadan, and since then Kunafa has been famous and closely associated with the month of Ramadan, and Kunafa was also known in the Ayyubid, Mamluk, Fatimid and Turkish eras.
Kunafa during the reign of Muhammad Ali
The manufacture of kunafa stopped for a while during the Fatimid era until Muhammad Ali ruled over Egypt, according to the accounts of old history professors, where the manufacture of kunafa returned again when Muhammad Ali went to the great grandfather of Hajj Atris, who was known as the most famous kunafani in Cairo in the Sayeda Zeinab area and was called (Hajj Arafa), and he started making it and restoring it again.
How to make kunafa in the olden days
Making kunafa in the past differed from making it today.
Back in the day, they used physical cones that the dough could slip through on a flat sheet pan.
They are leveled by placing the sheet over charcoal or firewood.
Some people would go to the kunafa maker with their own ghee and sugar to make it for them.
Types of kunafa
Brominated kunafa : in which the Kunafa The shape is divided into long pieces and has an internal filling.
Soft Kanafeh : It is that kunafa that has soft threads, that is, its dough is always soft to the touch, and consists of fine semolina, ground sugar and water.
Coarse kunafa : The kunafa dough used is long and slightly rough in texture.
Mixed Kanafeh : Kunafa is the one that combines both soft and coarse and has a different taste.
Popular Kunafa Shapes
Creamed Kanafeh:
It is considered one of the soft and newly popular kunafa in the form of thick fingers filled with cream and sometimes pistachios, it consists of hair-shaped kunafa, powdered milk, starch, caster sugar, vanilla, cream, flour, and ghee.
When the ingredients are blended together, you can taste the most beautiful and delicious desserts.
Nabulsi kunafa:
It is one of the most delicious types of kunafa and was first known to be made in Palestine.
It then spread to the rest of the countries, and is considered to have the same ingredients as Kunafa with cream.
But without the cream and with the addition of dessert cheese.
Kunafa with mango :
It is considered one of the most popular types of kunafa that has spread in recent times and is closely associated with the holy month of Ramadan as a gift.
When going to a party or serving it to guests at home.
It has a distinctive and excellent taste that consists of kunafa, sugar, mango juice, mango chunks, in addition to the basic ingredients ghee, flour, and vanilla.
Kanafeh with chocolate (Nutella):
It is a dessert that helps to fill you up quickly and dramatically, due to the chocolate and the heaviness of the filling.
But it's one of the tastiest tastes you can feel.
It consists of regular chocolate or Nutella in addition to the kunafa itself, ghee, sugar, flour, vanilla and the usual ingredients.
The shapes and methods of making kunafa vary so much that it reaches nearly 100 shapes and methods.
But it's basically based on the basic kunafa ingredients with the addition of extra ingredients that make it different and new.
In the end, the creamy kunafa is still the lightest, tastiest and best tasting kunafa.
She takes you into her own world and makes you fall in love with her.