Introduction:
Baklava is a sweet pastry that is popular in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries. It is made with layers of phyllo dough filled with a mixture of nuts, sugar, and spices. The pastry is then baked and soaked in a sweet syrup.
This article will teach you how to make the perfect baklava, from start to finish. The recipe is based on a traditional Turkish recipe, but it has been adapted to make it easier to follow.
Ingredients:
1 package phyllo dough, thawed
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chopped almonds
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup water
1/4 cup lemon juice
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the walnuts, almonds, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish. Brush with melted butter. Repeat layers, ending with a sheet of phyllo dough.
Spread the nut mixture evenly over the top layer of phyllo dough.
Cut the baklava into squares or diamonds.
Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown.
While the baklava is baking, make the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
Remove the baklava from the oven and pour the hot syrup over it. Let the baklava cool completely before serving.
Tips:
For a richer flavor, use unsalted butter that has been browned.
To make your own phyllo dough, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 cup cold water. Knead until smooth. Roll out the dough into thin sheets and layer them.
To prevent the baklava from sticking to the baking dish, line the dish with parchment paper.
If you don't have a 9x13 inch baking dish, you can use two 9-inch pie plates.
To make a different flavor of baklava, you can use different types of nuts, such as pistachios, pecans, or hazelnuts. You can also add other ingredients, such as dried fruit or chocolate chips.
Variations:
Chocolate Baklava: Add 1/2 cup of chopped dark chocolate to the nut mixture.
Pistachio Baklava: Use pistachios instead of walnuts and almonds.
Hazelnut Baklava: Use hazelnuts instead of walnuts and almonds.
Fruit Baklava: Add 1/2 cup of dried fruit, such as apricots, cranberries, or raisins, to the nut mixture.
Chocolate Chip Baklava: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the nut mixture.
Conclusion:
With these tips, you'll be able to make the perfect baklava every time. So get baking and enjoy!