In the Middle East and the Mediterranean, baklava is a well-liked dessert that is distinguished by its layers of flaky pastry and sweet filling. It is stuffed with chopped nuts, honey, and spices and prepared using phyllo dough, a sort of thin pastry. Baklava has a lengthy and illustrious history that dates back to antiquity. In this article, we’ll look into the history, preparation, and appeal of the dessert known as baklava.
The Baklava’s history
The ancient Assyrian empire, which includes portions of present-day Iraq, Iran, and Syria, is where baklava is thought to have first appeared. The Assyrians were known for their love of sweet treats, and they frequently made them to mark important religious anniversaries and holidays.
The Assyrians’ culinary customs evolved together with their empire. Over time, baklava became popular throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean, with each culture adding its own distinctive twist to the recipe.
Baklava is now a popular delicacy that can be found in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines all over the world.
Ingredients
To make baklava, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 package of phyllo dough
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or almonds)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves.
- Brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
- Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
- Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process with 7-8 more sheets of phyllo dough.
- Spread a layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo dough.
- Repeat the layering process with the remaining phyllo dough and nut mixture, brushing each layer with melted butter.
- Cut the baklava into diamond-shaped pieces.
- Bake the baklava in the oven for 35-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the baklava is baking, make the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, water, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- When the baklava is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the syrup over it, making sure to cover each piece.
- Let the baklava cool completely before serving.
Tips for Making Baklava
- Use a sharp knife. A sharp knife will make it easier to cut the baklava into diamond-shaped pieces.
- Brush each layer with butter. Brushing each layer of phyllo dough with melted butter will ensure that the baklava is flaky and delicious.
- Let the baklava cool before pouring on the syrup. Allowing the baklava to cool completely before pouring on the syrup will help the syrup absorb into the pastry.