Baklava with baked apples

Baked Apple Kataifi - A Sweet and Aromatic Delight

Baked apple kataifi is a dessert that combines the light and fluffy texture of the pastry with the fragrant sweetness of baked apples and a delicate syrup. This recipe will not only bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones, but it will also transform any meal into a celebration of flavors. Whether it's a special occasion or simply a desired afternoon treat, this dessert is perfect to be enjoyed alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients

- For Kataifi:
- 400 g thin pastry (recommended brand: Monte Banato)
- 200 g butter
- 200 g walnuts (chopped)
- 400 ml whipped cream

- For Syrup:
- 700 ml water
- 350 g sugar
- juice of half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

- For Filling:
- 6 apples (preferably sweet-sour apples)

Preparing the Syrup

1. In a saucepan, add the 700 ml of water and sugar. Stir gently until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Add the juice of half a lemon and let the mixture boil over medium heat for about 20 minutes, or until the syrup starts to thicken. This will add a note of freshness and balance the sweetness.
3. Once the syrup is ready, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla extract. Stir well to give it a rich flavor.

Preparing the Pastry

4. Meanwhile, take a 24x36 cm baking tray and lay the pastry in it. Make sure the strands of pastry are parallel to achieve an even texture.
5. In a small pan, melt 200 g of butter and pour it evenly over the pastry in the tray.
6. Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the tray inside for about 15 minutes. It's important to monitor the pastry; after 5 minutes, check if it starts to lightly brown without burning.

Assembling the Kataifi

7. After 15 minutes, remove the tray from the oven and pour the hot syrup over the browned pastry. Return the tray to the oven for another 15-20 minutes, until the syrup is completely absorbed.
8. Once the time is up, take the tray out of the oven and cover it with aluminum foil to prevent the pastry from hardening. Allow it to cool completely.

Preparing the Apple Filling

9. Peel the apples and remove the seeds, then chop them into small cubes. Place them in a saucepan and bake in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 20-30 minutes, until they become tender and fragrant.
10. After the apples are baked, let them cool slightly, then puree them in a blender until you achieve a fine consistency.

Finalizing the Dessert

11. Once the pastry has cooled, cut the base in half. Spread the apple puree evenly on the first half, sprinkle the chopped walnuts, and add the whipped cream.
12. Cover with the other half of the base and place the tray in the refrigerator for at least 3-4 hours. The longer the dessert sits in the refrigerator, the more flavorful and delicious it becomes.

Serving and Suggestions

Baked apple kataifi is served cold, cut into squares, and can be decorated with a little whipped cream or chopped walnuts on top for an elegant appearance. It is a perfect dessert to be enjoyed alongside a cup of herbal tea or freshly brewed coffee.

Tips and Variations

- Ingredients: If you want to add a touch of chocolate, you can integrate some chocolate chips into the apple filling.
- Nuts: You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or pistachios, to give the dessert a distinctive flavor.
- Fruits: Instead of apples, you can also use pears or baked peaches for an equally delicious variation.

Nutritional Benefits

Pastry is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy, while apples are rich in fiber and vitamins, contributing to a healthy diet. Nuts add healthy fats and proteins, making this dessert not only tasty but also nutritious.

Frequently Asked Questions

- How long can kataifi be kept in the refrigerator?
Kataifi can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, but it is best consumed within the first 2-3 days to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients.

- Can I use whole wheat pastry?
Yes, whole wheat pastry is a healthy option, but it will slightly change the texture of the dessert, making it denser.

- Is this dessert suitable for vegans?
You can adapt the recipe using vegan butter and plant-based whipped cream, and for the syrup, make sure the sugar used is vegan-friendly.

Conclusion

Baked apple kataifi is more than just a simple dessert; it is a culinary experience that brings family and friends together. I encourage you to try this recipe and enjoy every bite. Enjoy your meal!