baklava

Delicious Walnut Baklava Recipe with Aromatic Syrup

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Number of Servings: 20

Welcome to my kitchen! Today we will prepare together a delicacy that has won the hearts and taste buds of many people around the world: baklava. This recipe is an explosion of flavors and textures, combining thin, crispy pastry layers with aromatic nuts and a sweet syrup, making each piece a true delight.

A Bit of History

Baklava is a dessert with a rich history, known and appreciated for its fine layers of pastry and delicious filling. Over the years, it has been reinterpreted in many cultures, each bringing its unique contribution. Whether you enjoy it on a special occasion or simply as a treat, baklava is always an inspired choice.

Ingredients

To achieve perfect baklava, you will need the following ingredients:

*For Baklava*:
- 300 g walnuts (preferably Romanian walnuts or a mix of nuts)
- 2 teaspoons of cinnamon
- 2 sheets of puff pastry, each 275 g (you can use store-bought or homemade puff pastry)

*For Syrup*:
- 300 ml water
- 250 g sugar
- 300 g honey
- 2 bottles of rum essence

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preparing the Nuts: Start by finely chopping the walnuts. You can use a food processor, but be careful not to turn them into paste! It is important to maintain a slightly granular texture for a pleasant contrast with the pastry layers. After chopping the walnuts, add the two teaspoons of cinnamon and mix well to combine the flavors.

2. Preparing the Pastry: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Then, unfold the puff pastry sheets on a clean surface. If you are using frozen pastry, make sure it has completely thawed. By dividing each sheet in half, you can create thinner layers that will absorb the delicious syrup.

3. Assembling the Baklava: Place one sheet of pastry in the baking tray. If desired, you can brush the sheet with a little melted butter for added flavor. Sprinkle a layer of nuts mixed with cinnamon. Then add another sheet of pastry and repeat the process until you have used all the pastry and nuts. It is important to finish with a sheet of pastry to seal the filling.

4. Cutting the Baklava: After you have finished layering all the sheets, use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into square or diamond shapes, depending on your preference. This will help the syrup penetrate each piece better.

5. Baking the Baklava: Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the baklava turns golden and crispy. During baking, you will smell an enticing aroma that will fill the entire kitchen.

6. Preparing the Syrup: In a saucepan, add the water and sugar. Boil over medium heat until the sugar completely dissolves. Once the mixture reaches boiling point, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then, add the honey and rum essence. Mix well and let it cool slightly.

7. Finalizing the Baklava: When the baklava is ready, remove it from the oven and pour the hot syrup over it. This step is essential to ensure a moist and flavorful texture. Leave the baklava in the oven for another 5 minutes to soak up the syrup perfectly.

8. Cooling and Serving: Allow the baklava to cool completely before cutting it into servings. It is recommended to serve it cold, with the syrup absorbed, but you can also drizzle a bit of syrup on top at serving for added sweetness.

Practical Tips

- If you want an even more aromatic baklava, you can add some crushed hazelnuts or almonds to the nut mixture.
- Experiment with different flavors in the syrup: you can add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves for a deeper flavor.
- Make sure the pastry sheets do not dry out. Cover them with a damp towel during preparation to prevent drying.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits

A serving of baklava (approximately 100 g) contains around 350-400 calories. Although it is a calorie-rich dessert, the nuts in the composition are an excellent source of healthy fats, proteins, and fibers. Cinnamon also has nutritional benefits, being known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pastry than puff pastry?
- Yes, you can use pie dough or even baklava dough, which is thinner and crispier.

2. How can I store baklava?
- Baklava is best stored in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid the refrigerator, as humidity can affect the texture.

3. Can it be made in advance?
- Absolutely! Baklava can be prepared a few days in advance, and the flavors intensify as it sits.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Baklava can be served plain or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast. You can also pair it with aromatic tea or strong coffee to highlight the sweetness of the dessert.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start cooking! Baklava is a dessert that brings joy and satisfaction, both for the one who prepares it and for those who enjoy it. Enjoy your meal!