Baklava with nuts

Nut Baklava – a classic dessert with enticing aromas and a crunchy texture that will delight your taste buds. This baklava recipe is not only simple but also full of flavor, making it a perfect choice for any special occasion or to indulge yourself during relaxing moments. I will guide you step by step on how to prepare this delicacy, sharing some useful tips and variations so that you achieve a perfect result every time.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Number of servings: 16

Ingredients:

- 1 package of phyllo dough (approximately 400 g)
- 200 g margarine
- 300 g ground walnuts
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 850 g sugar
- 1 liter water
- 1/2 lemon

A brief history of baklava

Baklava is a traditional dessert with deep roots in culinary culture, originating from Eastern and Mediterranean regions. This dessert has been cherished by generations due to its unique combination of thin layers, aromatic nuts, and sweet syrup, thus becoming a symbol of hospitality. Every family has its special recipe, and today I will share my favorite version, simple and accessible.

Step by step: How to prepare nut baklava

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients

Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure you have a baking tray (preferably rectangular), a sharp knife to cut the baklava, and a bowl for mixing the nuts.

Step 2: Melting the margarine

In a small saucepan, melt the 200 g of margarine over low heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once melted, let it cool slightly before using.

Step 3: Preparing the layers

Lay out 6-7 sheets of phyllo dough in the prepared tray, brushing them well with margarine in between. Use a brush to apply an even layer of margarine so that each sheet becomes crispy and golden during baking.

Step 4: Preparing the filling

In a bowl, combine the ground walnuts with 50 g of sugar and cinnamon. This mixture will add a delicious flavor to your baklava. Evenly distribute half of the walnut mixture over the brushed sheets.

Step 5: Continuing the layers

Continue adding 4-5 sheets of phyllo dough, brushed with margarine, over the walnut filling. Then sprinkle the remaining walnut mixture, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Add another 4-5 sheets of phyllo dough, brushed with margarine.

Step 6: Cutting the baklava

Before placing the baklava in the oven, use a sharp knife to cut the pastry into diamonds or squares. This step is essential as it helps the syrup penetrate better into the baklava and allows for easier portioning after baking.

Step 7: Baking

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and bake the baklava for 40-45 minutes until it becomes golden and crispy. You will smell the delicious aroma of nuts and cinnamon in the air.

Step 8: Preparing the syrup

Meanwhile, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine 1 liter of water with 850 g of sugar and let it boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes until the syrup reduces and thickens. Finally, add the juice and zest of 1/2 lemon, which will add a note of freshness to the syrup.

Step 9: Final assembly

After the baklava is baked and the syrup is ready, pour the hot syrup over the hot baklava. This step will help infuse the flavors and make the baklava soft and delicious.

Step 10: Cooling and serving

Let the baklava cool to room temperature, then place it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop.

Serving suggestions

Baklava is usually served plain, but you can accompany it with a cup of fragrant tea or strong coffee. You can also add a teaspoon of Greek yogurt next to each serving for a touch of freshness.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use melted butter for a richer taste.

2. How can I store baklava?
Baklava stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to a week.

3. Can I add other nuts?
Sure, you can experiment with almonds or pistachios, thus adding a variety of flavors and textures.

Nutritional benefits

Baklava is rich in nutrients due to the content of nuts, which are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. Although it is a sweet dessert, consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Calories

A serving of baklava (approximately 100g) contains about 400-450 calories, so it is recommended to enjoy it in moderation.

Possible variations

To customize baklava, you can add raisins, dates, or even chopped dark chocolate to the filling for a more intense flavor. You can also experiment with flavors by adding cardamom or nutmeg.

Now that you have all the necessary information, all that’s left is to start preparing this delicious nut baklava! Each bite will be an explosion of flavors that will bring a smile to your face. Enjoy!