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Baklava Recipe

Baklava Recipe - Great Meal Recipes

Ah, baklava—a dish that sparks joy, transcending cultures and generations. I wasn't always a baklava expert. My first experience with this luscious pastry was at a neighborhood festival. The rich aroma of butter and spices wafted through the air, beckoning me closer. 
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Calories: 308
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Baklava:
  • 1/3 cup fine caster sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon orange zest
  • 1 pound mixed chopped nuts such as walnuts, almonds, and pistachios
  • 1 teaspoon ground Ceylon cinnamon
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, gently melted
  • 1 pound phyllo pastry sheets, fully thawed
For the Syrup:
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon rose water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • 1/2 cup pure honey
  • 1 small cinnamon stick
Garnish:
  • Finely crushed pistachios for topping

Method
 

  1. Ready to make your very own baklava? Follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring each bite before you know it!
Step 1: Prepare the Nut Mixture
  1. Start by finely chopping your mixed nuts. In a bowl, combine chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest. Mix well to incorporate.
Step 2: Prepare the Phyllo
  1. Thaw your phyllo dough if it’s frozen. Lay out two sheets of phyllo and brush generously with melted butter. Repeat this step until you have around eight layers laid out in your baking dish. This ensures a flaky, crisp texture!
Step 3: Layer the Filling
  1. Spread a portion of your nut mixture evenly over the phyllo layers. Cover with two more sheets of phyllo, brushing each layer with butter.
  2. Repeat this process until all your nut filling is used, finishing with around eight layers of phyllo on top.
Step 4: Score the Baklava
  1. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into diamond-shaped pieces. This will allow the syrup to soak through later. Don’t cut too deep; just slice through the top layers.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the baklava for 45-50 minutes or until it's golden brown and crisp.
Step 6: Prepare the Syrup
  1. While your baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. Combine sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, and the cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, add rose water, and let it cool.
Step 7: Soak the Baklava
  1. Once the baklava is baked, immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot pastry. Let it absorb all the syrup as it cools. After a few hours, it’ll be ready to serve!

Notes

Here are five essential tips to elevate your baklava game:
  • Quality Phyllo Dough: Opt for high-quality phyllo dough for the best texture. It can make a huge difference.
  • Melted Butter: Use unsalted melted butter to brush between layers. It contributes to a rich flavor.
  • Cooling Time: Allow your baklava to cool completely before serving to let the syrup soak.
  • Fresh Nuts: Toasting the nuts slightly enhances their flavor. Just be careful not to burn them!
Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container to preserve the crunch.