Lebanese Baklava (Custard) Recipe 🇱🇧

Introduction:

Indulge in the exotic flavors of Lebanon with this sumptuous Lebanese Baklava filled with creamy custard. 🥮 This delightful dessert, with its layers of flaky phyllo pastry and rich semolina custard, is a true treat for your taste buds. Perfect for special occasions or simply to satisfy your sweet cravings, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your repertoire. Let’s dive into the aromatic world of Lebanese cuisine and create magic in the kitchen!

Recipe Overview:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 16 squares
• Calories: 431.4 per serving
• Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Ingredients:

• 1 phyllo pastry sheet
• 3/4 cup butter, melted
• 3 cups milk
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup fine grain semolina
• 2 2/3 cups sugar
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) after preparing the filling ingredients.

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2. Prepare Phyllo Pastry: Divide the phyllo pastry into two equal parts. Lay one sheet on a well-buttered 11 x 16 inch baking pan. Brush the surface generously with melted butter. Repeat with the second sheet and continue until half of the pastry sheets are used. Cover the unused half with a kitchen cloth to prevent drying.

3. Prepare Filling: In a saucepan over medium heat, bring milk, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt to a boil. Gradually sprinkle in the fine grain semolina, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and the semolina is well-cooked.

4. Layering: Spread the cooled semolina mixture evenly over the entire surface of the pastry sheets. Build up the remaining half of the pastry sheets, buttering each surface generously. Pour the remaining melted butter over the top.

5. Baking: Using a knife, partially cut the top layer of pastry into squares to allow steam to escape. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

6. Prepare Syrup: While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

7. Finishing Touches: Once the baklava is cooked, remove it from the oven. Pour off any excess butter by tilting the pan. Let it cool for 10 minutes, then brush the surface lightly with some of the drained butter.

8. Syrup Soaking: Slowly pour the prepared syrup over the baklava, allowing it to be absorbed completely. Let the baklava cool for several hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld and the syrup to infuse into the layers.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this delectable Lebanese Baklava as a delightful dessert after a Mediterranean-inspired meal.
• Garnish with chopped pistachios or almonds for an added crunch and visual appeal.
• Enjoy alongside a cup of hot Arabic coffee or traditional mint tea for an authentic Middle Eastern experience.

Conclusion:

Transport yourself to the bustling streets of Beirut with every bite of this heavenly Lebanese Baklava. 🌆 The delicate layers of phyllo pastry enveloping the creamy custard filling, all soaked in a fragrant syrup, create a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is guaranteed to impress your friends and family. So go ahead, unleash your inner pastry chef, and savor the magic of Lebanese cuisine!