Baklava

Description

Traditional Turkish Baklava is a beloved dessert that has captivated taste buds around the world with its irresistible combination of flaky pastry, rich nuts, and sweet syrup. Originating in the heart of the Middle East, this dessert has become a symbol of hospitality and celebration in Turkish cuisine. With its origins dating back centuries, Baklava has stood the test of time and remains a cherished treat for special occasions and gatherings.

This delectable dessert consists of layers of paper-thin phyllo dough, generously filled with a mixture of finely chopped walnuts or pistachios. Each layer is carefully brushed with melted butter, creating a delicate balance of crispness and tenderness. Once baked to a golden perfection, the Baklava is drenched in a fragrant sugar syrup infused with hints of lemon and rosewater, imparting a sweet and aromatic essence to every bite.

Traditional Turkish Baklava embodies the artistry of pastry-making, and its sweet allure is often paired with a cup of strong Turkish coffee or a soothing glass of tea. Whether enjoyed during festive holidays, family gatherings, or as a delightful treat during everyday moments, Baklava continues to enchant dessert enthusiasts with its timeless flavors and cultural significance.

Ingredients

For the Baklava:

• 1 package of phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed
• 2 cups of mixed nuts (such as walnuts, pistachios, or almonds), finely chopped
• 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cloves (optional)
• A pinch of salt

For the Syrup:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2-3 whole cloves
• 1 lemon peel (strips of lemon zest)
• 1-2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice (optional)

Steps

1. Prepare the Nuts:
• Gather 2 cups of mixed nuts (e.g., walnuts, pistachios, almonds).
• Finely chop the nuts and mix them together in a bowl.
2. Preheat the Oven:
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it's ready for baking.
3. Prepare the Phyllo Dough:
• Unwrap the phyllo dough package and carefully unroll the sheets.
• Place a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap over the sheets to prevent them from drying out while you work.
4. Layer the Phyllo Sheets:
• Take one sheet of phyllo dough and place it in a baking dish (typically 9x13 inches).
• Brush the sheet with melted butter using a pastry brush.
• Repeat this process, adding a new sheet and brushing it with butter, until you have about 6-8 sheets layered in the bottom of the dish.
5. Add the Nut Filling:
• Sprinkle a generous amount of the chopped mixed nuts evenly over the phyllo sheets.
• Sprinkle a pinch of ground cinnamon and cloves (if desired) over the nuts.
6. Continue Layering:
• Add another sheet of phyllo dough over the nut mixture.
• Brush it with melted butter.
• Repeat this process, adding a new sheet and brushing it with butter, for another 6-8 sheets.
7. Cut the Baklava:
• Use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes. Make sure to cut through all layers.
8. Bake the Baklava:
• Place the baklava in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes or until it turns golden brown and crisp.
9. Prepare the Syrup:
• While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup.
• In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of water, a 1/2 cup of honey, a cinnamon stick, 2-3 whole cloves, and strips of lemon zest.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
• Remove from heat and add fresh lemon juice (if desired) for a hint of brightness.
10. Pour the Syrup:
• As soon as the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the hot baklava.
11. Let It Soak:
• Allow the baklava to cool and soak up the syrup for a few hours or overnight.
12. Serve and Enjoy:
• Once the baklava has absorbed the syrup and cooled completely, it's ready to serve.
• Enjoy your delicious Traditional Turkish Baklava!