Baklava is a rich and decadent dessert that originated in the Middle East, Turkey and Greece, and has become popular in many countries around the world. It is made of thin layers of phyllo pastry that ar filled with chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pistachios, or almonds, and sweetened with a syrup made from honey, sugar, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The pastry layers are buttered and stacked, with a nut mixture sprinkled between each layer, and then baked until golden brown and crisp
Ingredients
.1 Package of phyllo pastry sheets (16 oz / 450 gm)
.1 Cup of unsalted butter, melted
.2 Cups of chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or almonds)
.1/2 Cup of granulated sugar
.1 Teaspoon of ground cinnamon
.1/4 Teaspoon of ground nutmeg
.1 Cup of water
.1 Cup of honey
.1 Tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
.1 Teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Unroll the phyllo pastry sheets and cover them with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.
Brush a 9x13 inch baking pan with melted butter.
Place one sheet of phyllo pastry in the baking pan and brush it with melted butter. Repeat with 6 more sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
Spread half of the nut mixture evenly over the phyllo pastry sheets.
Cover the nut mixture with 6 more sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
Spread the remaining nut mixture evenly over the phyllo pastry sheets.
Cover the nut mixture with 6 more sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
Using a sharp knife, cut the Baklava into diamond-shaped pieces.
Bake the Baklava in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown.
While the Baklava is baking, make the honey syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, honey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Remove the Baklava from the oven and pour the hot honey syrup over it, making sure to cover all the pieces.
Allow the Baklava to cool completely before serving.
Enjoy your delicious Baklava
Tags:
dessert