Knafeh is one of the most famous traditional desserts in the Arab world, known for its wonderful taste and unique texture. However, traditional knafeh can be high in calories and fat, making it an unsuitable choice for those following a healthy diet. Therefore, today we present to you a recipe for diet cream knafeh, which combines delicious taste and health benefits. This recipe features light, low-calorie ingredients such as skim milk, Greek yogurt, and sugar substitutes, allowing you to enjoy every bite without feeling guilty. Additionally, knafeh is rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium and proteins that promote bone and digestive health, as well as containing vitamins A and B that support skin and hair health. Whether you're following a diet or looking for healthier dessert options, this knafeh will be a perfect addition to your table. Let's explore how to prepare it step by step!

Ingredients:

1. 50 grams of knafeh
2. 50 grams of melted butter

Cream Ingredients:

1. Half a cup of milk
2. Diet sugar to taste
3. 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
4. Half a container of Greek yogurt
5. Half a teaspoon of oat flour

Syrup Ingredients:

1. 1 cup of water
2. Half a lemon
3. Diet sugar to taste

Cream Preparation Method:

1. In a pan on the stove, add half a cup of milk.
2. Add sugar and cornstarch.
3. Add yogurt.
4. Add half a teaspoon of oat flour and stir well until it becomes a creamy mixture.

Syrup Preparation Method:

1. In a pan on the stove, add one cup of water.
2. Squeeze half a lemon and add sugar.
3. Leave it until it boils.

Healthy Substitutes:

• Greek Yogurt: It can be replaced with low-fat regular yogurt or plant-based yogurt like coconut or almond yogurt.

• Diet Syrup: If diet sugar is not available, you can use Stevia or Erythritol as a calorie-free substitute, making the syrup have less impact on the diet.

• Fat-Free Milk: It can be replaced with plant-based milk like almond milk or coconut milk, which is a suitable alternative for those following a vegan diet or those with lactose intolerance.

Knafeh Preparation Method:

1. In a pan, add the knafeh, then add the melted butter.
2. Put the pan in the air fryer or oven at 180°C for 12 minutes.
3. After preparing the first layer of knafeh, add the cream mixture, then add the second layer of knafeh and add butter on top.
4. Put it back in the oven or air fryer at 180°C for 15 minutes.
5. Add the syrup on top.

Tips for Serving Kunafa:

• Fresh Fruits: Kunafa can be served with pieces of fresh fruits like strawberries or berries, adding a delicious flavor and increasing its nutritional value.

• Nuts: Chopped nuts such as almonds or walnuts can be added to provide a unique texture, along with the benefits of healthy fats found in nuts.

• Low-Fat Yogurt: Kunafa can be served with low-fat yogurt to provide a healthy addition of protein and healthy fats.

Note: Suitable for those who follow a low-calorie diet, wish to consume healthy sweets, are overweight or want to lose weight, and are concerned with maintaining their health and eating light foods. Not suitable for those with allergies to any of the ingredients, those who require high-calorie intake, or those with health problems that require eating meals rich in fats or calories.

Health Benefits:

• Knafeh: A good source of energy, containing carbohydrates that enhance physical and mental activity. The fiber in knafeh also helps improve digestion.
• Melted Butter: Contains healthy fats that improve blood cholesterol levels and support heart health.
• Milk: A great source of calcium, which promotes bone and teeth health, along with protein that helps build and repair tissues.
• Greek Yogurt: Contains probiotics that are beneficial for the digestive system, as well as protein and calcium to support muscle and bone health.
• Oat Flour: Contains fiber that helps reduce cholesterol levels and contributes to prolonged feelings of fullness.
• Diet Sugar: Provides sweetness without adding extra calories, making it a suitable substitute for regular sugar in low-calorie diets.
• Lemon: Rich in vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and helps fight inflammation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can this Kunafa be prepared using whole milk?

  Answer: Yes, whole milk can be used, but it will increase the calorie count of the recipe. Therefore, it's preferable to use fat-free milk to keep the recipe in line with a low-calorie diet.

• Can another substitute for diet sugar be used?

  Answer: Yes, any other natural sweetener such as Stevia or honey can be used according to preference, but attention should be paid to their impact on calorie intake. If you prefer to reduce the effect of sugar on blood sugar levels, Stevia is an excellent choice.

• Is this Kunafa suitable for people with lactose intolerance?

  Answer: Yes, regular milk and yogurt can be replaced with lactose-free alternatives like lactose-free yogurt or milk. This way, people with lactose intolerance can enjoy Kunafa without any issues.

• How many servings can be made from this recipe?

  Answer: Based on the listed ingredients, around 2-3 servings can be made from this Kunafa, making it ideal for sharing with family or friends.

• Can this Kunafa be prepared in advance and stored?

  Answer: Yes, the Kunafa can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days. It’s recommended to reheat it before serving to get the best taste and texture.

Nutritional Value & Calories:

50 grams of Knafeh:

• Calories: 173.5 kcal
• Protein: 2.2 grams
• Carbohydrates: 21.45 grams
• Fats: 8.95 grams

50 grams of Butter:

• Calories: 358.5 kcal
• Protein: 0.425 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0.03 grams
• Fats: 40.55 grams

Half a Cup of Milk (125 ml):

• Calories: 52.5 kcal
• Protein: 4.25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 6 grams
• Fats: 1.25 grams

Half a Cup of Greek Yogurt (125 grams):

• Calories: 73.75 kcal
• Protein: 12.5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 4.5 grams
• Fats: 0.5 grams

Half a Teaspoon of Oat Flour (7 grams):

• Calories: 27.23 kcal
• Protein: 1.183 grams
• Carbohydrates: 4.641 grams
• Fats: 0.483 grams

Half a Lemon (30 grams):

• Calories: 8.7 kcal
• Protein: 0.33 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2.79 grams
• Fats: 0.09 grams

1 Cup of Water (240 ml):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams
• Fats: 0 grams

Total Nutritional Value:

• Calories: 694.18 kcal
• Protein: 20.89 grams
• Carbohydrates: 39.41 grams
• Fats: 51.82 grams