Baklava Recipe

Imagine the comforting aroma of sweet honey syrup mingling with crunchy nuts and buttery phyllo dough. Gathering the family around the kitchen, the process of making our exquisite Baklava Recipe becomes an event as enjoyable as tasting the final result. Your kids can brush the phyllo sheets with melted butter while you sprinkle nuts, creating layers of love and joy. Whether it’s a weekend project or a special treat for Eid, Baklava is more than just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings everyone together. Let’s embark on a culinary journey, where each delicate layer leads to a symphony of flavors and textures that will captivate your taste buds and warm your heart.

Recipe Summary

Ingredients

• 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
• 2 cups mixed nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, and pistachios), finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Finely chopped pistachios, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with some melted butter.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped nuts and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
3. Unroll the phyllo dough and trim to fit your baking dish if necessary. Cover the dough with a damp cloth to keep it from drying out.
4. Place one sheet of phyllo dough into the baking dish and brush lightly with melted butter. Repeat with 7 more sheets, buttering each layer.
5. Sprinkle about 2-3 tablespoons of the nut mixture over the buttered phyllo.
6. Layer 6 more sheets of dough, buttering each one, and sprinkle another 2-3 tablespoons of nuts on top. Continue this process, ending with a final layer of 8 sheets of phyllo, each sheet brushed with butter.
7. With a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes, ensuring you cut all the way through the layers.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes, until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.
9. While the baklava is baking, make the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
10. Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the entire dish. Let it cool completely before serving. Garnish with finely chopped pistachios.

Helpful Tips

Working with phyllo dough can be tricky, but keeping it covered with a damp cloth helps prevent it from drying out. You can also pulse the nuts in a food processor for a finer texture, perfect for layering.

Storage Instructions

Store your baklava at room temperature in an airtight container for up to a week. If you prefer it slightly chilled, you can refrigerate it, but always serve at room temperature for the best flavor.

Pairings

Baklava pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong Turkish coffee or a glass of hot mint tea. For an exquisite dessert spread, consider serving with minty tabbouleh salad and grilled chicken kabobs.

At Zynahz, we believe that every meal is an opportunity to create, share, and celebrate. Our Baklava Recipe is a testament to the love we put into our food and the joy it brings to our family gatherings. We hope you try making this at home and share your delightful creations with us. Don’t forget to spread the love by sharing this recipe with friends and family. For more inspiring recipes, follow us on our social media channels and sign up for our newsletter. Let’s continue to bring joy and creativity into our kitchens, one delicious dish at a time.