In the old days, these string dough used to be made by the Usta or the master and cooked for the whole neighbourhood to share. Kadayif is typically served in a large metal plate called tepsi. Half of the dough is spread on the metal plate then sprinkled with crushed walnut or pistachio. The remaining half is then poured over the nuts and added with melted butter or margarine. After layering, the plate is then put inside the oven to bake the top into a beautiful reddish-brown. After baking, the syrup may then be poured over the kadayif.
Kadayif is already being served in most Middle Eastern restaurants in Toronto. It is the best desert after a sumptuous meal. If you are in Toronto and want to make your own kadayif then this recipe is for you.
The ingredients needed are:
- 2 lbs of the tel kadayif or string dough
- 4 cups of sugar
- 1 and a half stick of butter
- 4 and a half cups of water
- 1 piece of lemon, juiced
- 2 cups of hazelnuts, crushed or ground
Here are the steps in making kadayif:
- First, melt half of the butter in a round cake pan; it should be deep enough for layering. Then spread half of the string dough or tel kadayif on the pan. After making sure it is spread evenly, sprinkle the crushed hazelnuts on top of the first layer. You can then add the remaining string dough or tel kadayif. Take the rest of the butter, slice into smaller pieces and spread evenly on top of the last layer.
- Put inside a medium heat oven and bake for approximately 25 minutes or until the top of the dough layer is golden-brown.
- While waiting for the kadayif to turn golden brown, you can start preparing the syrup for the kadayif. Just mix all the remaining ingredients – lemon juice, water and sugar – and boil. In place of the lemon juice, a coffee spoon of lemon salt may also be used.
- Check the kadayif and if it is already golden brown then you can remove it from the oven. Place it on a serving dish and carefully pour over the boiling syrup on the kadayif.
- Serve when cool.
Some people prefer to bake the kadayif for 15 minutes and turn it over to the other side for another 15 minutes of baking. Either way, enjoy your delicious kadayif whether you’re in Toronto or in other parts of the world.