Baklava, the golden, sticky, and nut-filled pastry, is an iconic dessert that has enchanted taste buds for centuries. Its rich layers of flaky phyllo dough, crunchy nuts, and sweet, fragrant syrup are a testament to the artistry of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. In this article, we'll explore the delightful world of baklava, from its fascinating history to a step-by-step guide on how to make this irresistible dessert.
Baklava's origin is a subject of debate among food historians, but it's widely believed to have been perfected by the ancient Assyrians, then refined by the Greeks, and further influenced by Persian, Arabic, and Ottoman cuisines. This sweet treat was considered a delicacy reserved for royalty and special occasions, earning its reputation as a symbol of celebration and hospitality.
Authentic Baklava Recipe – Ingredients
- ½ kg of phyllo dough
- 1 ¼ cup of butter from milk (around 185 g)
- 4 cups of crushed almonds (around 480 g)
- ½ cup of sugar (95 g)
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder (3 g)
Authentic Baklava Recipe Syrup – Ingredients
- 4 cups of sugar (720 g)
- 3 cups of water (570 g)
- ½ cup of honey (135 g)
- 1 piece cinnamon stick
Authentic Baklava Recipe Recipe – Instructions
- Start this authentic baklava recipe by taking a bowl and adding the crushed almonds, sugar, and cinnamon. Mix thoroughly.
- Preheat oven to 325 °F.
- Melt the butter.
- Take a rectangular cooking pan.
- Take a cooking brush. Generously brush the pan bottom with some melted butter.
- Place 4 phyllo into the cooking pan bottom. Brush each phyllo with butter. Take an additional 4 phyllo sheets. Place them in a pan allowing sheets to drape over its 4 sides. Brush these with melted butter.
- Cover the whole area with wrinkled phyllo.
- Evenly spread the almond mixture.
- Fold inside overlapping phyllo sheets.
- Top pastry with 6-8 phyllo dough.
- Generously brush the top layer with melted butter.
- Tuck in the buttered phyllo neatly around.
- Use a sharp knife to cut into pieces. Stud with a clove in the center of each piece. This will keep the phyllo dough together. It also gives a great scent. It is not eaten when your baklava is ready.
- Lightly sprinkle the baklava surface with some water.
- Bake for around 2-2 ½ hours, until nicely golden-brown.
- Make syrup just before traditional baklava is ready. See the instructions below.
- Take the baklava out of the oven when ready.
- Carefully spoon the hot syrup over the baklava.
- Allow the baklava to absorb the syrup into its layers. Let it cool for at least 2 to 3 hours or overnight.
- Cut baklava through scored pieces.
- Serve
Authentic Baklava Recipe Syrup – Instructions
- Take a pot.
- Add all ingredients.
- Bring to boil for around 3 minutes.
- Do not stir at all.
Baklava is not just a dessert; it's a masterpiece of culinary artistry that bridges cultures and eras. With its crisp layers, fragrant spices, and sweet syrup, it's a dessert that promises a taste of history with every bite.
Now that you've learned the secrets of making baklava at home, you can savor this delightful treat and share its rich history and flavors with friends and family. Whether you enjoy it as a special occasion dessert or a sweet indulgence on any given day, baklava is sure to leave a lasting impression.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on a journey through time and taste baklava – a timeless dessert that continues to captivate hearts and palates around the world. If you like it, you can try this saragli recipe (baklava rolls). Enjoy!