Pistachio Kunafeh Chocolate Pie (4-inch /4 pcs)

Prep: 30 min | Bake: 25 min | Serves: 10  

Ingredients

Kunafeh Crust:

- 250g kunafeh (kataifi) pastry, shredded  

- 100g unsalted butter, melted  

- 50g granulated sugar  

- 1 tsp cinnamon  

Chocolate Filling:

- 200g dark chocolate (70%), chopped  

- 200ml heavy cream  

- 1 tbsp orange blossom water (optional)  

- 50g pistachios, finely chopped  

Assembly:

- 100g akkawi or mozzarella cheese, shredded (optional for stretchy layer)  

- 50g pistachios, crushed (for topping)  

- 2 tbsp honey or sugar syrup  

 Instructions

1. *Prepare Kunafeh Crust*  

   - Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).  

   - Mix shredded kunafeh pastry with melted butter, sugar, and cinnamon.  

   - Press half the mixture into a 9-inch pie dish to form the base.  

2. *Add Cheese Layer (Optional)*  

   - Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the crust for a stretchy middle layer.  

3. *Make Chocolate Filling*  

   - Heat cream until steaming (do not boil). Pour over chopped chocolate; let sit 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.  

   - Stir in orange blossom water and chopped pistachios.  

4. *Assemble & Bake*  

   - Pour chocolate filling over the crust (and cheese layer, if using).  

   - Top with remaining kunafeh mixture, pressing lightly.  

   - Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden.  

5. *Finish & Serve*  

   - Immediately drizzle with honey or sugar syrup.  

   - Sprinkle crushed pistachios on top.  

   - Cool 10 minutes before slicing.  

*Serve warm* for a gooey texture or chilled for cleaner slices.  

Note: For a traditional touch, serve with clotted cream (qishta) on the side.