Baklava
Description: Baklava is a delicious and rich dessert originating from the Middle East, made of layers of flaky phyllo pastry, chopped nuts, and sweet syrup or honey. It’s known for its indulgent taste and beautiful presentation.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of phyllo dough, thawed 🥐
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted 🧈
- 2 cups mixed nuts (such as walnuts, pistachios, and almonds), finely chopped 🥜
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 🌀
- 1 cup granulated sugar 🍚
- 1 cup water 💧
- 1/2 cup honey 🍯
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 🌿
- Optional: ground cloves, cardamom, or lemon zest for additional flavor 🍋
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix together the chopped nuts and cinnamon.
- Unroll the phyllo dough and place one sheet in the prepared baking dish, brushing it with melted butter.
- Repeat with several more layers, brushing each layer with butter.
- Sprinkle a layer of the nut mixture over the buttered phyllo dough.
- Continue layering phyllo sheets and nuts until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of phyllo dough.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
- While the baklava is baking, combine sugar, water, honey, and vanilla extract in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to make the syrup.
- Pour the hot syrup over the hot baklava as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving, allowing the syrup to soak in.
Notes:
Baklava is best enjoyed after it has had time to sit for a few hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Store baklava in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week.
Details:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 45-50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 24 pieces
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cooking: Oven
Diet: Vegetarian
Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximate):
Calories: 250
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 75mg
Total Carbohydrates: 27g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 3g
