Baklava Recipe - Flaky Phyllo Pastry - Baking Delight

Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry that has captured the hearts and taste buds of dessert enthusiasts worldwide. Tracing its origins back to the Ottoman Empire, Baklava has become a quintessential dessert in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cultures. Its delicate layers of flaky phyllo dough, combined with a luscious nut filling and fragrant syrup, make it a truly indulgent treat.

Ingredients List

To get started, gather the following ingredients:

Phyllo Dough

• 1 package of phyllo dough (16 oz, approximately 40 sheets)

Nut Filling

• 2 cups of walnuts
• 1 cup of pistachios
• 1 cup of almonds
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves

Syrup

• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 cup of honey
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 4-5 whole cloves

Others

• 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted

Feel free to customize your Baklava with different nuts, sugars, or syrups according to your preference.

Equipment Needed

Before you start, make sure you have the following kitchen tools and bakeware:

• A large baking dish (9x13 inches)
• Food processor
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife
• Saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Phyllo Dough

1. Thaw the phyllo dough according to the package instructions, typically by leaving it in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Once thawed, lay the phyllo dough flat and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out while you work.

Making the Nut Filling

1. In a food processor, pulse the walnuts, pistachios, and almonds until they are finely chopped but not turned into a paste.
2. Transfer the chopped nuts to a large bowl and mix in the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.

Layering and Assembling

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Brush the bottom of your baking dish with melted butter.
3. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process until you have about 10 layers.
4. Spread a thin layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo dough.
5. Continue layering phyllo and nuts, brushing each layer of phyllo with butter, until you have used all the nut mixture.
6. Finish with a top layer of 10 additional phyllo sheets, each brushed with butter.

Cutting and Baking

1. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the assembled Baklava into squares or diamonds.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the Baklava is golden brown and crisp.

Syrup Preparation

1. While the Baklava is baking, prepare the syrup by combining water, sugar, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and whole cloves in a saucepan.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and discard the cinnamon stick and cloves.

Baking and Serving

1. Once the Baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the top.
2. Allow the Baklava to cool completely before serving to ensure the syrup is fully absorbed.
3. Store leftover Baklava in an airtight container at room temperature.

Variations and Tips

• For a different flavor, try using pecans or hazelnuts in the nut mixture.
• Add a pinch of cardamom or orange zest to the syrup for an extra layer of aroma.
• If your phyllo dough tears, don’t worry. Simply patch it together and continue layering—no one will notice once it's baked.

Conclusion

Making Baklava at home may seem daunting, but with a bit of patience and the right ingredients, you'll be rewarded with a delicious dessert that's sure to impress. Give it a try and share your Baklava creations with us—we'd love to see how you make this classic treat your own! Happy baking!