Ingredients

For the Kataifi Dough:

• 180 g All-Purpose Flour
• 100 g Cornstarch
• ½ tsp Salt
• 380 g Water
• 25 g Neutral Vegetable Oil (such as sunflower or canola)

For the Pistachio Filling:

• 150 g Kataifi Dough (prepared or store-bought)
• 30 g Unsalted Butter (melted)
• 80-90 g Pistachio Paste (unsweetened)
• 50 g Tahini Paste (unsweetened, can substitute with melted white chocolate)
• 1 tbsp Powdered Sugar (optional, for sweetness)

For the Chocolate Coating:

• 300 g Milk Chocolate (or dark chocolate for a richer flavor)
• 3 g Cocoa Butter Powder (for tempering)

For Decoration:

• White Chocolate (for drizzling)
• Gold Luster Dust (for a touch of elegance)
• Green Fat-Soluble Food Coloring (optional, for color)

Steps on How to Prepare the Pistachio Kataifi Pastry

Step 1: Prepare the Kataifi Dough

1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine 180 g of all-purpose flour, 100 g of cornstarch, and ½ tsp of salt. Mix well.
2. Add Water and Oil: Gradually add 380 g of water and 25 g of vegetable oil to the dry ingredients, stirring until you have a smooth batter.
3. Cook the Mixture: Transfer the batter to a non-stick saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring continuously, until the mixture thickens to a paste-like consistency (about 10-15 minutes). It should pull away from the sides of the pan. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Pistachio Filling

1. Melt the Butter: In a small bowl, melt 30 g of unsalted butter.
2. Mix the Fillings: In a separate bowl, combine 80-90 g of pistachio paste and 50 g of tahini paste. Add the melted butter and mix until smooth. If desired, add 1 tbsp of powdered sugar to sweeten the filling slightly. Mix well until fully incorporated.
3. Set Aside: Keep the pistachio filling aside while you prepare the kataifi.

Step 3: Assemble the Pastry

1. Prepare the Kataifi Dough: If using store-bought kataifi, gently unravel the strands. If you’ve made your own dough, use a pastry cutter to shred it into thin strands.
2. Grease the Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease a baking dish with a little melted butter.
3. Layer the Kataifi: Spread half of the kataifi dough in an even layer at the bottom of the greased baking dish.
4. Add Filling: Spoon the pistachio filling over the kataifi layer, spreading it evenly.
5. Top with Remaining Kataifi: Cover the filling with the remaining kataifi dough, pressing down gently to compact it.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 4: Prepare the Chocolate Coating

1. Melt the Chocolate: While the kataifi is baking, melt 300 g of milk chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
2. Temper the Chocolate: If using, add 3 g of cocoa butter powder to the melted chocolate to help temper it, which will give a shiny finish to the coating.

Step 5: Coat and Decorate the Pastry

1. Cool the Pastry: Once the kataifi is baked, let it cool slightly in the baking dish.
2. Cut into Pieces: Carefully cut the kataifi into squares or diamond shapes.
3. Dip in Chocolate: Dip each piece into the melted chocolate, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the excess chocolate to drip off.
4. Add Decorations: Drizzle with melted white chocolate and sprinkle with gold luster dust and green food coloring for a festive touch.

Step 6: Chill and Serve

1. Chill: Place the chocolate-coated kataifi in the refrigerator to set for about 30 minutes.
2. Serve: Once set, serve the kataifi pastries on a decorative plate. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!

Nutrition Facts (Approximate per Piece, based on 12 servings)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Sugar: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sodium: 50 mg
  

  Tips and Variations

  • Nut Variations: You can substitute or mix pistachios with walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts.
  • Syrup Flavor: Adding a cinnamon stick or a few cloves to the syrup while simmering infuses a warm spice flavor.
  • Garnish: Sprinkle extra crushed pistachios on top for added crunch and presentation.

  Pistachio Kataifi Pastry is a delicious treat with layers of crunch and syrupy sweetness, perfect for special occasions or a decadent dessert!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different nut paste?

• Yes, you can substitute pistachio paste with almond, hazelnut, or any nut butter of your choice.

2. How do I store the kataifi?

• Store the kataifi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze the baked kataifi pieces before coating them in chocolate.

3. What if I can’t find kataifi dough?

• If kataifi dough is unavailable, you can try using shredded phyllo pastry as a substitute, but the texture may differ slightly.

4. Can I make this recipe vegan?

• Yes, you can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free chocolate, and omit the cream cheese or use a vegan substitute.

Tips for Making the Perfect Pistachio Kataifi Pastry

• Use High-Quality Nuts: The quality of the pistachio paste will significantly influence the flavor of your pastry. Opt for a high-quality brand or make your own by blending roasted pistachios until smooth.
• Monitor the Baking Time: Keep a close eye on the kataifi while it bakes. Ovens vary, and over-baking can lead to a dry texture.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add spices like cardamom or cinnamon to the filling for an aromatic twist.

Storage Tips

• Short-Term Storage: Keep any leftover pastries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.
• Long-Term Storage: For longer preservation, freeze the baked and cooled kataifi without the chocolate coating. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Just coat them in chocolate once they’re thawed.

Conclusion

The Pistachio Kataifi Pastry is a luxurious dessert that brings together the rich flavors of pistachios and the light, crispy texture of kataifi. With its delightful presentation and delectable taste, it’s perfect for impressing guests at any gathering. Whether served at a celebration or as a special treat for yourself, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the process, and savor every bite of this exquisite pastry!