Looking for a delightful and exotic dessert to impress your guests or indulge yourself in a cozy evening at home? Look no further than our delicious Turkish-inspired recipe for Fistikli Kadayif, a mouthwatering pistachio dessert that will transport you to the bustling streets of Istanbul with its sweet aroma and nutty flavors. This traditional treat combines the richness of pistachios with delicate layers of crispy kadayif dough and sweet syrup, creating a truly irresistible delight for your taste buds.
Fistikli Kadayif Turkish Pistachio Dessert
Ingredients:
– 1 package kadayif dough
– 1 cup unsalted pistachios, shelled and finely chopped
– 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup sugar
– 1 cup water
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– Ground cinnamon for garnish
– Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a baking dish with a bit of the melted butter.
2. Start by preparing the syrup: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely, then let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it slightly thickens. Set aside to cool.
3. Unwrap the kadayif dough and gently separate the strands using your fingers, ensuring they are loose and fluffy.
4. In a bowl, mix the chopped pistachios with a quarter cup of the melted butter until well combined.
5. Take a handful of the kadayif dough and spread it evenly on the bottom of the greased baking dish.
6. Drizzle a generous amount of melted butter over the first layer of kadayif dough.
7. Sprinkle a generous portion of the pistachio mixture over the buttered kadayif layer.
8. Layer another handful of kadayif dough on top of the pistachio mixture, pressing gently to form an even layer.
9. Repeat the process by drizzling butter, adding the pistachio mixture, and layering more kadayif dough until all the ingredients are used, ensuring the top layer is kadayif dough.
10. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the kadayif into diamond or square shapes, making sure to cut all the way through to the bottom of the dish.
11. Bake the Fistikli Kadayif in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
12. Once baked, remove the dessert from the oven and pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot kadayif, allowing it to seep into the cuts and edges.
13. Let the Fistikli Kadayif cool for about 15-20 minutes to absorb the syrup.
14. Serve the dessert warm, sprinkled with a pinch of ground cinnamon for an extra touch of flavor. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side for a delightful contrast.
Enjoy this decadent Turkish Pistachio Dessert with your loved ones and savor the magical flavors of this delightful creation that beautifully blends sweet, nutty, and crispy elements. Perfect for special occasions or simply to treat yourself to a taste of Turkey’s culinary delights right at home – this dessert is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!
