How to Make Sweet Baklava

 

   Baklava is a rich and sweet pastry made of layers of thin phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts, typically walnuts, pistachios, or almonds. The layers are held together with butter or oil and baked until crispy. After baking, the pastry is soaked in a syrup made from honey, sugar, and sometimes flavored with rose water or orange blossom water. 

Baklava is a popular dessert in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines and is often served in small diamond or square-shaped pieces. Its origins are ancient, and it is enjoyed for its delicate texture and complex, sweet flavors. sweet dessert made of layers of flaky phyllo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making delicious homemade baklava.

Ingredients:

For the Baklava:

- 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed

- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, melted

- 2 cups walnuts, finely chopped

- 1 cup almonds, finely chopped

- 1 cup pistachios, finely chopped

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- ½ teaspoon ground cloves

For the Syrup:

- 1 cup water

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 1 cup honey

- 1 cinnamon stick

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Nut Filling

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, almonds, pistachios, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Mix well and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Phyllo Dough

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

2. Unroll the thawed phyllo dough and place it under a slightly damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out while you work.

3. Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with some of the melted butter.

Step 3: Assemble the Baklava

1. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the bottom of the baking dish. Brush it with melted butter.

2. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet of phyllo dough, until you have 8-10 layers.

3. Sprinkle about 3 tablespoons of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo.

4. Continue layering 5-6 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter, then sprinkle with more nuts. Repeat this process until all the nut mixture is used up.

5. Finish with 8-10 more layers of phyllo, brushing each layer with butter. Brush the top layer generously with butter.

6. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes before baking.

Step 4: Bake the Baklava

1. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.

Step 5: Make the Syrup

1. While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, honey, and cinnamon stick.

2. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, until the syrup thickens slightly.

4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. Set aside to cool.

Step 6: Finish the Baklava

1. Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava.

2. Allow the baklava to cool completely, then cover and let it sit for at least 4-6 hours, or overnight, to absorb the syrup.

Step 7: Serve

1. Once fully cooled and soaked, carefully remove the baklava pieces from the dish and place them on a serving platter.

2. Baklava can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator. It tastes even better the next day!

Serving Suggestions:

Baklava is traditionally served with strong coffee or tea. Its sweet, crunchy layers and rich nutty filling make it a delightful dessert for any occasion.

Enjoy your homemade sweet baklava!