Baklava with ground walnuts

Baklava with Ground Walnuts

Baklava is a traditional dessert cherished by many cultures, with a rich history that spans centuries of culinary refinement. This recipe for baklava with ground walnuts brings a sweet and crunchy flavor, perfect for any occasion, especially for moments when you want to impress your loved ones. Additionally, baklava becomes even more delicious after the syrup has been absorbed, so it's ideal to prepare it a day in advance.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30-40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 40 minutes
Number of servings: 16 servings

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 2 whole eggs
- 250 ml milk
- 250 ml oil
- 1 packet baking powder, extinguished with the juice of half a lemon
- A pinch of salt
- Flour as needed, about 500 g

For the filling:
- 250 g ground walnuts
- A little sugar (optional, to taste)

For the syrup:
- 1 liter water
- 500 g sugar

For greasing:
- One packet of melted margarine

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough:
In a large bowl, crack the two eggs and lightly beat them with a whisk. Add the milk and oil, mixing well. Next, add the baking powder extinguished with lemon juice and a pinch of salt. These ingredients will contribute to the fluffy texture of the dough. Start incorporating the flour gradually until you obtain a soft, but not sticky dough. The dough should be similar to the earlobe.

2. Resting the dough:
If you have time, cover the dough with a damp towel and let it rest in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This step will make the dough easier to roll out. If you don’t have time, you can continue immediately.

3. Forming the rolls:
Divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. On a clean surface, roll out each piece of dough with a rolling pin until it becomes thin and almost transparent. Sprinkle some of the ground walnuts mixed with sugar on each rolled-out sheet, then carefully roll the dough to form a tight roll. Repeat this process for all pieces of dough.

4. Assembling in the tray:
Place the rolls in the tray without greasing them, in a single layer. It is important not to crowd them too much to allow steam to escape during baking. Once all the rolls are in the tray, cut them with a knife into portions for easier serving after baking.

5. Baking:
Preheat the oven to 200°C. Pour the hot melted margarine over the rolls. Bake the baklava for 10-15 minutes at high heat, then reduce the temperature to 180°C and continue baking for another 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crunchy. Don’t forget to turn the tray if necessary for even baking.

6. Preparing the syrup:
While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine water with sugar and bring to a boil. Let it simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved. Turn off the heat and let the syrup cool.

7. Finishing:
When the baklava is baked, take it out of the oven and pour the cold syrup over it. It is essential that the dough is hot and the syrup is cold, or vice versa, to achieve the perfect texture. Allow the baklava to absorb the syrup for a few hours, ideally overnight, to blend the flavors.

Serving

Baklava with ground walnuts is served cold, cut into squares or diamonds, and can be garnished with a little ground walnut on top for an elegant look. It is a perfect dessert alongside aromatic tea or strong coffee.

Useful tips

- Choose quality walnuts: Fresh walnuts will bring a richer taste to your dessert. Try grinding them at home for an extra flavor boost.
- Recipe variations: You can add spices such as cinnamon or cardamom to the walnut filling for a more complex flavor. You can also replace walnuts with almonds or pistachios.
- Storage: Baklava keeps well at room temperature in an airtight container for a few days. The flavor intensifies as it sits.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, butter provides a richer taste, but make sure it is melted and warm when pouring it over the baklava.

2. Why is it important for the syrup to be cold?
Cold syrup helps maintain the crunchy texture of the dough, preventing premature sogginess.

3. How can I customize the recipe?
You can add various nuts or even dried fruits between the layers of filling to add a personal touch.

4. Is baklava a healthy dessert?
Although it is high in calories due to sugar and fats, the nuts in the filling provide proteins and healthy fats, making it a better choice compared to other processed desserts.

Conclusion

Baklava with ground walnuts is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that brings joy and flavor in every bite. By following this detailed recipe, you will succeed in preparing a dessert worthy of the most beautiful occasions. So, put on some pleasant music, prepare the ingredients, and enjoy this moment of creativity in the kitchen. Enjoy your meal!