Galaktoboureko

Galaktoboureko – The Greek Delight with Milk and Phyllo Dough

This traditional Greek dessert, Galaktoboureko, is a true revelation for sweet lovers! With a creamy texture, a delicate vanilla flavor, and a crispy phyllo crust, this quick and simple dessert is sure to impress anyone who tastes it. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 10

Ingredients:

For the filling:
- 1 liter of milk
- 200 g sugar
- 5 large eggs
- 100 g semolina
- 10 sheets of phyllo dough
- 150 g butter (melted)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

For the syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup lemon juice

Preparation:

1. Start by preparing the filling. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk to the optimal temperature (without boiling) and mix it with the sugar.

2. In a bowl, beat the eggs well, then add the semolina, lemon zest, vanilla extract, and, if desired, cinnamon. Mix until you have a smooth mixture.

3. Gradually add the warm milk to the egg mixture, stirring constantly to avoid curdling the eggs.

4. Return the mixture to the heat, on medium intensity, and stir continuously until it thickens. Once you achieve a creamy consistency, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

5. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius.

6. In a large baking dish (approximately 30x40 cm), grease the bottom with melted butter. Place the first 5 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with butter before adding the next one.

7. Pour the semolina and milk filling, smoothing it out with a spatula. Then, cover the filling with the remaining 5 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with butter.

8. Cut the desired shapes (usually diamonds) with a knife before placing the dish in the oven. This will help with the final appearance and make portioning easier.

9. Bake Galaktoboureko for about 40 minutes, until it becomes golden and crispy.

10. While the dessert is baking, prepare the syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the water, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Boil for 10 minutes, then let it cool slightly.

11. Once Galaktoboureko is ready, pour the warm syrup over the hot dessert. Let it absorb the syrup for a few hours (ideally, let it sit overnight for a more intense flavor and texture).

Serving suggestions:

Galaktoboureko can be served plain, sprinkled with a little cinnamon on top, or with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a delicious contrast. You can also try decorating it with pistachios or toasted almonds for an extra crunch.

Possible variations:

If you want to experiment, you can add ground nuts to the filling or replace the lemon zest with orange for a different aroma. You can also turn Galaktoboureko into a chocolate dessert by adding cocoa powder to the filling – a delicious option for chocolate lovers.

Now you have all the information needed to prepare this classic Greek dessert! Whether it’s for a special occasion or a family meal, Galaktoboureko will surely be the star of the evening. Enjoy!