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Delicious Kataifi Rolls with Pistachio | Authentic Middle Eastern Dessert Recipe

Delicious Kataifi Rolls with Pistachio

These delicious kataifi rolls are golden, crispy, and filled with a sweet pistachio mixture—then soaked in fragrant syrup for the perfect Middle Eastern dessert. With their unique shredded phyllo texture, they’re a show-stopping treat for holidays, celebrations, or anytime you crave something special.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 16 rolls 1x

Ingredients

Scale

🟡 For the Kataifi Rolls:

1/2 lb (225g) kataifi dough (shredded phyllo), thawed

1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped

1 tbsp sugar

1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)

🟡 For the Syrup:

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp rose water or orange blossom water (optional)

Optional garnish:

Crushed pistachios

Dried rose petals

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Gently separate and loosen kataifi dough with your fingers.

3. In a bowl, mix chopped pistachios, sugar, and cinnamon.

4. Take a small bundle of kataifi dough (about 3×6 inches), place 1 tablespoon of nut filling on one end, and roll tightly into a log. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

5. Place rolls seam-side down in baking dish. Brush generously with melted butter.

6. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until crisp and golden.

7.

8. Meanwhile, make the syrup: In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 8–10 minutes. Stir in rose or orange blossom water if using. Cool slightly.

9. Once rolls are out of the oven, pour warm syrup evenly over them.

10. Let soak at room temperature for 2–3 hours before serving. Garnish with extra pistachios or rose petals.

Notes

Kataifi dough dries out quickly—cover with a damp towel while assembling.

You can prepare the rolls and syrup a day ahead; they taste even better the next day.

Pairs beautifully with mint tea or cardamom coffee.

  • Author: Mila Bryn
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Middle Eastern
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 roll
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 20mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: kataifi rolls, pistachio dessert, shredded phyllo pastry, middle eastern sweet