Traditional Baklava

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 24
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Traditional Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry that embodies the flavors of the Middle East. Its delicate layers of crispy phyllo dough, nuts, and fragrant honey syrup make it a true indulgence. Whether you’re new to making baklava or looking to perfect your technique, this recipe offers a delightful experience.

Ingredients for Traditional Baklava

Phyllo dough is the base that gives baklava its signature flaky texture. It’s thin and delicate, so handle with care. Butter adds richness and helps the layers crisp up beautifully. Walnuts provide a nutty crunch and a nice contrast to the sweetness. Sugar, water, and honey create the syrup that moistens and sweetens the pastry, while vanilla extract and lemon zest add a hint of warmth and freshness.

Tips & Tricks

  • Thaw phyllo dough in the fridge overnight for easier handling.
  • Keep unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out.
  • Use a sharp knife for clean cuts and avoid tearing the dough.
  • Pour syrup over hot baklava to ensure even absorption.

Serving Suggestions

Baklava pairs wonderfully with a cup of mint tea or Turkish coffee, enhancing its rich flavors. For a refreshing contrast, serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt, which cuts through the sweetness and adds a creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other nuts?
Absolutely! Pistachios or almonds are great alternatives to walnuts.
How long does baklava keep?
Stored in an airtight container, baklava can last up to two weeks at room temperature.

Traditional Baklava Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your oven going by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, take a moment to grease your baking dish. This helps prevent sticking and makes serving a breeze. Now, place two sheets of phyllo dough in the dish, brushing them generously with melted butter. This is the foundation of your baklava.

Sprinkle a thin layer of chopped walnuts over the buttered phyllo. Repeat this layering process, always using two sheets of phyllo and buttering each layer well. Continue until you've used up your ingredients, finishing with a layer of phyllo on top.

With a sharp knife, carefully cut the assembled baklava into diamond or square shapes. This makes serving easier later on and ensures that the syrup will soak in evenly. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 50 minutes, or until you see a lovely golden color and crisp texture.

While your baklava bakes, make the syrup. In a small saucepan over medium heat, stir together sugar and water until the sugar dissolves. Add honey, vanilla extract, and lemon zest, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over the top. This step is crucial as it allows the syrup to seep through every layer, enhancing the baklava's flavor and texture. Let it cool completely before serving to allow the syrup to fully absorb.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Simple ingredients with a luxurious taste.
  • Perfectly crisp and flaky layers every time.
  • Aromatic syrup that infuses the baklava with depth.
  • Classic dessert that impresses at gatherings.

Ingredients

1 lb phyllo dough
1 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 cups finely chopped walnuts
1 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup water
1/2 cup honey
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp grated lemon zest

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
3. Place two sheets of phyllo dough in the prepared pan, buttering generously.
4. Sprinkle a thin layer of walnuts over the buttered phyllo.
5. Repeat the layering process, using two sheets of phyllo at a time and buttering each layer until all ingredients are used, ending with a phyllo layer.
6. Using a sharp knife, cut the layered dough into diamond or square shapes.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
8. While the baklava is baking, combine sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stir until sugar dissolves.
9. Add honey, vanilla extract, and lemon zest to the sugar water and bring to a boil.
10. Reduce heat and let simmer for about 20 minutes.
11. Remove baklava from oven and immediately pour the syrup over the top, allowing it to seep into the layers.
12. Let it cool completely before serving.

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