Happy Peace Day with Kunafeh

Imagine there’s no heaven
It’s easy if you try
No hell below us
Above us only sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today…

Imagine there’s no countries
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to kill or die for
And no religion too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace…
– John Lenon

Do you know September 21, is observed as The International Day of Peace, a.k.a. “Peace Day”.  It is not a public holiday but is observed globally. The United Nation established this day to coincide the opening of the general assembly in 1981. The first Peace Day was celebrated in 1982. Until 2002, Peace day was observed on the third Tuesday of September. In 2002, September 21 became the permanent date for the International Day of Peace. Nations around the world are invited to observe this day of global ceasefire and non-violence – personal and political.

Anyone anywhere can celebrate this Day. Though various events and organized events take place on this day, it can also be observed as simply as with a toast for peace, lighting a candle, silent meditation, or just a picnic for peace. The impact of everyone, everywhere in the world coming together for peace is enormous. Let’s take this opportunity to attempt to make peace in our personal life and in our relationships, and in the conflicts we see around us. Can you imagine what a whole day would mean without anger, hostility and ceasefire.

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will be as one.
– John Lennon

I am observing “Peace Day” by sharing Kunafeh and joining few others at Delicacies from a Dhaka-ite. Also, listening to Imagine, one of my favorite songs. The ingredients of Kunafeh are soft ricotta cheese and crunchy kunafeh dough or shredded phyllo. A serene and perfect blend of crunch and softness, sweet and tart. How are you observing “International Day of Peace”?

Happy Peace Day with Kunafeh and John Lennon's "Imagine"

 

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Kunafeh, a serene and perfect blend of crunch and softness, sweet and tart dessert that can be made with shredded phyllo, vermicelli or lachcha.

Author: Lail Hossain

Recipe type: Dessert

Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

• 1 pack shredded phyllo or Lachcha/fine vermicelli
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 ½ cup Ricotta cheese
• ⅔ cup condensed milk
• ⅔ cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ cup pistachios

Instructions

1. Steps to make Syrup:
2. In a small saucepan, on high heat boil water, sugar and lemon juice until semi sticky.
3. Let cool. Set aside.
5. Steps to assemble Kunafeh:
6. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a baking pan.
7. Crush pistachio to a coarse dust.
8. Mix ricotta, condensed milk and half the crushed pistachio. Set aside.
9. Take shredded phyllo, pour melted butter and mix until vermicelli is evenly coated with butter.
10. Divide buttered, shredded phyllo in two portions.
11. Layer greased baking dish with one part broken vermicelli and press to make a firm base.
12. Add the ricotta mix as a second layer.
13. Pour the remaining vermicelli as a third layer.
14. Bake 30 minutes.
15. Garnish with remaining pistachio.
16. Serve the syrup on the side.

Notes

Shredded phyllo can be substituted for lachcha.
Traditionally orange blossom water is added to the syrup. I usually don’t use it.

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