Baklava : A Taste of the Middle East

Baklava is a delicious Middle Eastern dessert made with layers of phyllo pastry, chopped nuts, and sweet syrup.

Ingredients

For the Baklava:

• 1 package (16 ounces) of thawed phyllo dough
• 2 cups finely chopped mixed nuts (e.g., walnuts, pistachios, almonds)
• 1 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Syrup:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 3-4 whole cloves (optional)
• 1 strip of lemon peel (optional)

Instructions

Preparing the Baklava

1. Firstly, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Next, ensure the phyllo dough is thawed according to the package instructions.
2. Afterward, finely chop the mixed nuts in a food processor or by hand. Then, combine the nuts with ground cinnamon in a bowl and set aside.
3. Now, brush a 9×13 inch (23×33 cm) baking dish with melted butter.
4. Afterward, carefully unroll the phyllo dough on a clean, dry surface. Cover it with a damp towel or plastic wrap to prevent drying.
5. As you layer, place one phyllo sheet into the buttered baking dish and brush it generously with melted butter.

Layering the Phyllo and Nuts

6. As you continue, layer the phyllo sheets, adding a thin layer of nuts every few sheets. Lastly, finish with a top layer of phyllo, ensuring each layer is brushed with melted butter.
7. For ease of cutting later, use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into diamond or square-shaped pieces.

Baking and Preparing the Syrup

8. While the baklava bakes, prepare the syrup.

Simmering the Syrup

10. In a saucepan, combine the sugar, water, honey, vanilla extract, and any optional spices. Initially, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10-15 minutes. Lastly, remove any spices used.

Finishing and Serving

11. Once the baklava is done baking, immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over it. Be cautious, as it will sizzle.
12. After that, let the baklava cool completely in the pan. This can take a few hours or even overnight for the syrup to be absorbed.
13. Once cooled and with the syrup absorbed, use a sharp knife to cut along the previously made lines.

Enjoying Your Baklava

14. To savor your creation, serve your homemade baklava on a platter and enjoy!

Baklava Storage

1. 15. For longer-lasting enjoyment, store baklava at room temperature in an airtight container or freeze it. Now, go ahead and enjoy your homemade baklava!

You can try our other recipes too for a yummy taste bud, Have a good day or evening