Pistachio bird's nests

• pistachios↗40g g
• sugar↗400g g
• lemon juice↗2 tbsp tbsp
• kataifi pastry↗300g g
• butter↗375g g

  melted

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Soak the pistachios in water for 30 mins. Dissolve the sugar in 500ml water in a pan over a medium heat, then bring to a boil and bubble for 15-20 mins or until reduced and lightly syrupy. Stir in the lemon and boil for a minute more.

2. 2

   Cover the kataifi with a damp cloth so it doesn’t dry out. Take a finely twisted 30cm length of pastry and wrap it in a circular motion around two fingers into a nest shape. Transfer to a baking tray, then repeat with the rest of the pastry.

3. 3

   Drain the pistachios and gently press four or five into the middle of each nest. Cover the nests with a layer of baking parchment, then put another baking tray on top and put a 1kg weight on top. Leave at room temperature for 1 hr, then remove the parchment and leave for another hour to dry out.

4. 4

   Heat the oven to 220C/200C fan/gas 7. Pour the butter over and around the nests, so that they’re sitting in a layer of melted butter. Cook for 20-25 mins until golden brown, turning the tray from time to time to make sure the nests are evenly coloured. Leave to cool for 10 mins, then transfer to a clean baking tray and pour over the syrup. Leave to cool completely in the syrup, then serve.