Kataif

Noodle dessert with sweet syrup and vanilla pudding

Who doesn't love a dessert that brings a smile to their face? The noodle dessert with sweet syrup and vanilla pudding is a recipe that combines crunchy textures with sweet flavors, offering an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe is a perfect choice for special occasions, as well as for moments when you want to indulge in something truly delicious. Let's discover together how to prepare this marvel!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 55-60 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Necessary ingredients:

- 1 bag of fine noodles (or special kataifi pasta, if you can find it)
- 1 package (250 g) of butter
- 100 g walnuts, ground
- 100 g almonds, ground
- 100 g pistachios, ground
- 150 ml water
- 200 g honey
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 packet of mulled wine spice mix
- 400 ml liquid cream
- 1 packet of vanilla pudding
- 500 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Recipe history:
Noodle or pasta-based desserts are a tradition in many cultures, with deep roots in Mediterranean and Eastern cuisines. These sweets are often associated with holidays and special events, as they are not only delicious but also spectacular in appearance. The noodles, with their slightly crunchy texture, combine perfectly with the sweet syrup, becoming a beloved dessert for everyone.

Step by step:

Step 1: Preparing the noodles
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a Jena dish (or a baking tray), thoroughly grease the bottom and sides with melted butter. Then, place the fine noodles in the dish, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

Helpful tips: If you can't find special kataifi noodles, regular fine noodles will work perfectly. Make sure not to let them boil too long, as they will soak up the syrup later.

Step 2: Adding the nuts
Sprinkle a mixture of ground walnuts, almonds, and pistachios over the noodles. These not only provide a delicious taste but also a crunchy texture. Add a few cubes of butter for extra flavor.

Step 3: Baking
Place the dish in the oven and let the noodles bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Keep an eye on it, as every oven is different, and you want to avoid burning.

Step 4: Preparing the syrup
Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the water, honey, lemon zest, lemon juice, and the mulled wine spice mix. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the syrup thickens slightly. The flavors will combine in an absolutely delicious way!

Step 5: Assembling
When the noodles are ready and the oven has filled your home with divine aromas, remove the dish from the oven. Slowly pour the hot syrup over the warm noodles, ensuring that each strand is well covered. As the dessert cools, the noodles will absorb the syrup and puff up, becoming even more delicious.

Step 6: Preparing the pudding
In another container, prepare the vanilla pudding according to the instructions on the package, using 500 ml of milk and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Make sure the pudding is smooth and lump-free.

Step 7: Adding the cream
Once the pudding has cooled, whip the liquid cream until it becomes firm and add the 2 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Gently fold the cream into the pudding until you achieve a fluffy cream.

Step 8: Assembling the dessert
After the noodles have completely cooled, pour the vanilla pudding on top and level it with a spatula. Sprinkle again with ground nuts, almonds, and pistachios for an attractive appearance.

Step 9: Refrigerating
Cover the dish and let the dessert chill for a few hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to develop and the noodles to absorb the syrup.

Serving suggestions: When you're ready to serve, cut the dessert into portions and enjoy every bite. You can serve it alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or accompany it with a caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness.

Nutritional information: This dessert is high in calories due to the honey and butter content, but it also offers benefits from the nuts and seeds, which are excellent sources of protein, healthy fats, and antioxidants.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use another type of sweetener instead of honey?
Yes, you can replace honey with sugar or maple syrup, but the taste will vary.

2. How can I make the dessert lighter?
You can reduce the amount of butter and honey, and add more fresh fruits like raspberries or strawberries.

3. Is this dessert suitable for vegans?
You can make a vegan version using vegan butter, plant-based milk, and plant-based sweeteners.

4. What other desserts can it be paired with?
This dessert pairs perfectly with a fresh fruit tart or a fruit salad.

The noodle dessert with sweet syrup and vanilla pudding is not just a delight, but also an unforgettable experience. Enjoy!