Baklava

Baklava: a refined and immensely satisfying dessert that brings together rich flavors and delightful textures. This oriental pastry with thin layers and a nut filling is not only a perfect choice for those with a sweet tooth but also a symbol of hospitality and culinary traditions. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing an exceptional baklava that will surely become your favorite, just like mine.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-50 minutes
Total time: 60-70 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16

Ingredients:

- 1 package of phyllo pastry
- 500 g – 700 g nuts (preferably Romanian walnuts)
- 1 and ½ cups oil for brushing the layers
- 400 g sugar
- 400 ml water
- Juice of half a lemon
- 3-4 lemon slices
- 2 packets of vanilla sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick (or 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon)
- 4 tablespoons of honey

Preparing the syrup:

1. In a medium saucepan, add water, sugar, cinnamon stick, and lemon slices. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer on low for about 10 minutes. This will help intensify the flavors.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the honey and lemon juice. Mix well and let the syrup cool completely. Note! The syrup is poured cold over the hot baklava.

Assembling the baklava:

1. Before starting the assembly, it is important to prepare the nuts. Divide the nuts into two equal parts. One half will be finely ground, while the other half will be chopped or crushed. This combination will add an interesting texture to the pastry.
2. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
3. In a large baking tray (approximately 30x40 cm), start laying out the phyllo pastry layers. Place the first third of the layers, making sure to generously brush each layer with oil. This step is crucial for achieving the desired crispy texture.
4. After laying the first third of the layers, add half of the ground nuts. Spread the nuts evenly over the entire surface.
5. Place the second third of the layers, brushing each layer with oil. Add the remaining chopped nuts, then cover with the last third of the layers, again brushing each layer with oil.
6. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into squares or triangles, making sure to cut all the way to the edge of the tray. This will allow the syrup to penetrate better into the pastry.
7. Bake the baklava in the preheated oven for 40-50 minutes, or until it becomes golden and crispy.

Finishing the baklava:

1. Once the baklava is baked, remove it from the oven and carefully pour the cold syrup over the hot pastry. It is essential that the syrup is cold to achieve the ideal temperature contrast and prevent excessive sogginess of the layers.
2. Allow the baklava to cool completely, then let it sit at room temperature for a few hours, or even overnight. This waiting process will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

Tips and variations:

- If you want to experiment with flavors, try adding a teaspoon of rose water or almond extract to the syrup. These will add a refined taste and floral note.
- You can replace the nuts with almonds or pistachios, each variant having a distinct and delicious taste.
- Baklava is best served alongside Turkish tea or a flavored coffee to balance the sweetness of the dessert.
- Another suggestion is to garnish it with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a lemon zest for an attractive appearance.

Nutritional benefits:

Baklava, although a calorie-rich dessert, contains beneficial ingredients such as nuts, which are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and fiber. These contribute to heart health and maintaining a balanced diet when consumed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use frozen phyllo pastry?
Yes, frozen phyllo pastry is an excellent option. Make sure to completely thaw it before use.

2. How long can I keep baklava?
Baklava keeps well at room temperature for a few days but can be refrigerated to prolong its shelf life.

3. Is baklava vegan?
This recipe is not vegan due to the oil and honey, but you can replace honey with agave syrup or another vegan sweetener.

Now that you know how to prepare this delicious pastry, I encourage you to try it at home! It's a simple yet impressive recipe that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. Enjoy!