Baklava Recipe – A Sweet and Flaky Delight
Category: Desserts | Servings: 8
Baklava is a timeless, indulgent dessert, beloved for its combination of flaky, buttery filo pastry, crunchy almonds, aromatic cinnamon, and a sweet syrup. This variation features a honey-based syrup and is perfect for special occasions or whenever you crave a rich and flavorful treat. Let’s dive into this simple yet decadent recipe, which will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Filo pastry | 300g |
| Shelled almonds | 400g |
| Butter (melted) | 300g |
| Ground cinnamon | 8g |
| Honey (preferably acacia) | 250g |
| Sugar | 200g |
| Water | 200g |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~400 kcal |
| Fat | ~30g |
| Carbohydrates | ~40g |
| Protein | ~5g |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sugar | ~30g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Butter and Almonds:
- Begin by melting the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Once melted, allow it to cool to room temperature.
- While the butter cools, place the shelled almonds in a food processor. Pulse a few times until the almonds are coarsely chopped, but not too fine. You want a bit of texture in your filling.
-
Prepare the Baking Tray:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Take a baking dish measuring approximately 36×27 cm (a size that matches the filo pastry sheets) and grease the bottom with some of the cooled melted butter. This will help prevent sticking.
-
Assemble the Baklava Layers:
- Carefully unfold the filo pastry sheets. Place the first sheet of filo in the prepared tray and brush it lightly with the melted butter.
- Place a second sheet on top, brushing it with butter as well. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet, until you have 8 layers in total.
- Once you’ve laid down the base of filo pastry, sprinkle a layer of the chopped almonds mixed with cinnamon evenly over the top.
- Continue layering with filo sheets, following the same buttering process. Add another layer of almond mixture, and repeat until all your ingredients are used up. Ensure the last layer consists of 8 filo sheets, each buttered individually.
-
Bake the Baklava:
- After you’ve added the final layers of filo pastry, place the baklava in the oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
-
Prepare the Syrup:
- While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water and sugar. Bring to a gentle boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add the honey to the syrup and stir until fully incorporated. Let the syrup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, then remove it from heat and allow it to cool slightly.
-
Finish and Chill the Baklava:
- Once the baklava is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Then, pour the warm syrup over the hot baklava. The syrup should fill all the crevices and soak into the layers, making it wonderfully sweet and sticky.
- Let the baklava cool completely at room temperature. For best results, refrigerate it overnight. The flavors will meld together beautifully, and the dessert will be even more delicious the next day.
-
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once chilled, cut the baklava into squares or diamond shapes and serve. Enjoy this sweet, nutty treat with a cup of coffee or tea, or simply on its own as a delightful end to a meal.
Tips for Success:
- Ensure that the filo pastry remains covered with a damp cloth while working with it to prevent it from drying out.
- You can experiment with different nuts for the filling. Walnuts or pistachios are great alternatives to almonds.
- Make sure to pour the hot syrup over the baklava while it’s still warm from the oven for optimal absorption.
This baklava recipe is a great way to bring a bit of indulgence to your kitchen. Whether for a special occasion or simply as a treat, its delicate layers, nutty crunch, and sweet syrup will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. Enjoy this perfect homemade baklava, and be sure to share it with friends and family—they’ll surely be impressed!
