This well-known Greek dessert is made with shredded phyllo dough, vanilla custard, and whipped cream.
It’s a comforting dessert that is great for children and adults. It was very popular at our Greek restaurant and is equally as popular at home!.
EKMEK
9 x 13 pan – Serves 24
INGREDIENTS
½ box of Kataifi Phyllo (16 oz) (this brand is already shredded)
2 sticks of unsalted butter, thinly sliced
Remove the excess butter
Syrup
3 cups of water
2 cups of sugar
Lemon Peel
1 - cinnamon stick
6 whole cloves
Vanilla Pudding
3 boxes (3.4 oz) of instant vanilla pudding
2 cups of Heavy Cream
4 cups cold whole milk
½ tsp vanilla extract
Whipped Cream
2 cups heavy cream
¼ tsp vanilla extract
3 tbsp powdered sugar
Cinnamon garnish
toasted almonds for garnish
PREPARE THE PHYLLO
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Take half of the shredded phyllo and pull it apart and place the strands in the bottom of the 9x13 pan so it completely covers the bottom. Make sure the layer is as even as possible.
Place the sliced butter squares over the top of the phyllo so it is completely covered. Bake it in the oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the phyllo is completely golden brown.
While it’s baking, make the syrup by combining the water, sugar, lemon peel, cinnamon stick, and cloves in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a low simmer and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. Strain out the cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon peel, and let the sugar cool until the phyllo has baked.
When the phyllo has completely baked, very carefully tip the baking dish to one side in the sink, or into a heatproof bowl, and drain out any excess butter.
Let the phyllo cool for at least 2 hours – I recommend overnight - then rewarm the syrup and pour carefully over the phyllo. Place the dish in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and allow the syrup to absorb overnight.
COMPLETE THE EKMEK
To complete the Ekmek, prepare the vanilla pudding by adding the packaged mix, heavy cream, whole milk, and vanilla extract to a large bowl and mixing it with a hand mixer until it’s ready. Then, spread it evenly on top of the phyllo base. Place the dish in the refrigerator for a few minutes while you make the whipped cream.
Next, make the whipped cream by adding the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar to a large mixing bowl and whipping it with a hand mixer until it holds stiff peaks. Spread this evenly top of the vanilla pudding.
Top the whipped cream with a generous sprinkled of ground cinnamon and toasted almonds. Serve!
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT. She is currently operating with COVID-safe procedures and is happy to discuss your event and catering needs with you. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekasevents.com or call 203.658.8659.