Introducing a delightful dessert that blends the rich flavors of Southwest Asia with a touch of European flair, presenting: Passover Baklava! 🍯✨ This tantalizing treat is not only bursting with aromatic spices and nutty goodness but also comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for large gatherings or intimate family dinners. 🎉🥮
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Ingredients:
- 5-6 sheets of matzah
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon rind
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup butter, divided
- 1 cup water
- 5 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup chopped nuts (traditionally walnuts or pistachios)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Matzah:
- Begin by soaking the matzah in water until it becomes soft enough to fold, usually around 15-20 minutes. Once softened, remove from water and pat dry with paper towels.
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Prepare the Nut Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine the sugar, lemon rind, cinnamon, and 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Mix well to create a fragrant and flavorful mixture.
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Assemble the Layers:
- Using an 8-inch square pan, start layering the softened matzah sheets with the prepared nut mixture, alternating until you reach the top layer, which should be a piece of matzah.
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Bake to Perfection:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Drizzle the top layer of matzah with 2 1/2 tablespoons of melted butter to ensure a golden and crispy finish. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and fragrant.
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Slice and Serve:
- Once baked, allow the baklava to cool slightly before cutting it into squares. This step ensures neat and clean slices, preserving the layers of matzah and nut filling.
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Prepare the Syrup:
- While the baklava is cooling, prepare the syrup by combining the remaining butter (2 1/2 tablespoons), water, lemon juice, and any leftover sugar in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring slowly until it thickens into a luscious syrup, about 10 minutes.
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Drizzle and Enjoy:
- Once the syrup has cooled slightly, generously drizzle it over the cut squares of baklava, allowing the sweet and tangy flavors to seep into every layer. Serve your Passover Baklava with pride, knowing that each bite is a celebration of tradition and indulgence!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 235.5
- Fat Content: 12.5g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 15.3mg
- Sodium Content: 127.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 29.7g
- Fiber Content: 1.5g
- Sugar Content: 19.4g
- Protein Content: 3.2g
Tips for Success:
- For a twist on tradition, consider experimenting with different nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts for added texture and flavor.
- Make ahead: Passover Baklava actually improves in flavor when made 1 to 2 days in advance, allowing the syrup to fully infuse the layers with sweetness.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet baklava, feel free to reduce the amount of sugar in both the nut mixture and syrup according to your taste preferences.
- Lemon lovers: While the recipe includes lemon zest and juice for a hint of citrusy brightness, feel free to omit it if you prefer a more traditional flavor profile.
So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a culinary journey to create Passover Baklava that will leave your guests coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds)! 🌟🍰
