Baklava

Introduction to Baklava

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry beloved in many cultures around the world. This decadent dessert is made of layers of filo pastry, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with syrup or honey. It is traditionally served in small pieces at room temperature, especially during special occasions and festivals.

Origin and Cultural Significance

The origins of Baklava are not precisely known, but it is believed to have been perfected in the imperial kitchens of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. It has a significant place in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines, with each culture bringing its unique twist to the recipe.

Why You’ll Love It

• Rich Flavor: The combination of nuts, sweet syrup, and the buttery crunch of filo makes for an irresistible treat.
• Texture Contrast: The crispiness of the baked filo contrasts beautifully with the dense filling, offering a delightful mouthfeel.
• Versatility: You can experiment with different types of nuts like pistachios, walnuts, or almonds, and adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

Baklava is a versatile dessert that pairs wonderfully with a variety of beverages. Enjoy it with a cup of strong coffee, or a glass of sweet dessert wine for a truly indulgent experience. It’s also commonly served alongside tea in many cultures, making it a perfect treat for any occasion.

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Baklava

Author: Annie Cuisine: Balkan, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern Courses: Dessert Recipe Keys: F Festive N Nutritious T Traditional

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 60 mins Cook Time 50 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 2 hrs 20 mins

Servings: 12 Calories: 200

Best Season: any

Dietary:

V Vegetarian Option

Description

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. A delight for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 package filo pastry, thawed
• 2 cups mixed nuts, chopped (such as walnuts, pistachios, and almonds)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¹⁄₂ cup water
• ¹⁄₂ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the syrup

   In a small saucepan, combine sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes, until the syrup thickens. Set aside to cool.
   

2. Preheat the oven

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   

3. Prepare the nut mixture

   In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts with ground cinnamon.

4. Assemble the baklava

   Grease a baking dish with some of the melted butter. Lay down a sheet of filo pastry and brush with butter. Repeat this process until you have layered half the filo sheets. Evenly spread the nut mixture over the filo. Continue layering and buttering the remaining filo sheets on top.

5. Cut and bake

   Before baking, cut the baklava into diamonds or squares. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

6. Add the syrup

   As soon as the baklava comes out of the oven, pour the cooled syrup over the hot baklava. Let it cool down completely. The baklava absorbs the syrup as it cools, making it perfectly sweet and moist.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1 piece

Servings 12

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 386kcal

Calories from Fat 216kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 24g37%

Saturated Fat 11g56%

Cholesterol 45mg15%

Sodium 110mg5%

Total Carbohydrate 41g14%

Dietary Fiber 2g8%

Sugars 24g

Protein 6g12%

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Iron 2 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Store baklava at room temperature, covered, to prevent it from getting soggy. It can last for up to 2 weeks.

Keywords: Baklava, pastry, sweet, nuts, syrup, honey, filo pastry

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