Baklava
is a delicious and iconic dessert that originated in the Middle East but has become popular worldwide. It's known for its rich, sweet flavor and flaky layers. Baklava consists of layers of thin pastry sheets (often phyllo or filo dough) separated by melted butter, filled with a mixture of finely chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pistachios, or almonds), and sweetened with a syrup or honey mixture. The combination of crispy layers and sweet, nutty filling makes it a beloved dessert.
Here's a classic recipe for making Baklava:
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- - 2 cups finely chopped nuts (commonly walnuts, pistachios, or a mixture)
- - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- - 1/4 cup granulated sugar
For the Pastry:
- - 1 package (about 16 ounces) phyllo dough, thawed according to package instructions
- - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
For the Syrup:
- - 1 cup granulated sugar
- - 1/2 cup water
- - 1/2 cup honey
- - 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
- - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preparing the Nut Filling:
1. In a bowl, combine the finely chopped nuts, ground cinnamon (if using), and granulated sugar. Set aside.
Assembling the Baklava:
2. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. Brush a baking dish (typically 9x13 inches) with melted butter.
4. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the bottom of the dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet until you have about 6 sheets layered.
5. Sprinkle a thin, even layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo dough.
6. Continue layering phyllo sheets, buttering each one, and adding a layer of nuts in between. Repeat this process until you've used all the nuts or reached your desired thickness, typically 20-30 sheets.
Cutting and Baking:
7. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-55 minutes or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.
Preparing the Syrup:
9. While the baklava is baking, make the syrup. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, honey, and a cinnamon stick (if using). Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick, stir in the vanilla extract, and set the syrup aside to cool.
Pouring the Syrup:
10. Once the baklava is out of the oven and still hot, carefully pour the cooled syrup evenly over it. Make sure the syrup covers all the pieces.
Cooling and Serving:
11. Allow the baklava to cool completely, which can take several hours or overnight, to absorb the syrup and become extra delicious.
12. Once cooled, you can garnish it with additional chopped nuts if desired.
Baklava is a labor of love, as working with phyllo dough can be delicate. However, the result is a sweet, nutty, and decadent dessert that's perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat any time. Enjoy!
