Baklava (phyllo pastry, honey, walnuts)

Baklava is a traditional Greek pastry that has been enjoyed throughout the Mediterranean for centuries. Made with layers of flaky phyllo dough, sweet honey syrup, and crunchy walnuts, this decadent dessert is a true delicacy. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of crispy and chewy textures, with a rich sweetness that satisfies every sweet tooth.

The origins of baklava can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was a popular sweet treat in the royal court. Over the years, the recipe spread throughout the Mediterranean region, and today it is a staple dessert in Greek restaurants and homes everywhere. While there are many variations of baklava, the basic recipe remains the same - layers of phyllo dough, brushed with butter or olive oil, and filled with a mixture of crushed walnuts, cinnamon, and sugar. Once baked to perfection, the pastry is drizzled with a generous amount of honey syrup, which seeps between the layers, adding a sweet and sticky element to the pastry.

While baking baklava requires some patience and skill, the end result is well worth the effort. The layers of phyllo dough require gentle handling, as they can quickly dry out or tear. A thin layer of butter or oil must be applied between each layer, ensuring that they stick together and form a solid crust. The walnuts must be crushed to just the right texture - not too fine, and not too coarse - to ensure a good balance of crunch and melt-in-your-mouth flavor.

One of the main attractions of baklava is the honey syrup that is poured over each piece. Made with a mixture of honey, water, and a squeeze of lemon juice, the syrup brings a rich sweetness that complements the nutty flavor of the pastry. It also helps to keep the pastry moist and fresh, ensuring that each bite is just as delicious as the first.

When it comes to serving baklava, there are many variations. Some prefer it warm, straight out of the oven, while others prefer it served chilled. In Greece, it is often served with a cup of strong coffee or tea, which helps to balance out the sweetness of the pastry.

Overall, baklava is a wonderful dessert that is beloved by many. Its rich history, delicious flavor, and stunning appearance make it a favorite among both young and old, and its versatility means that it can be enjoyed at any time of day or year. Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a sweet treat, baklava is a dessert that is sure to delight.

Ingredients:

• 450g of phyllo pastry sheets
• 350g of walnuts, finely chopped
• 200g of unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp of ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp of ground cloves
• 1 cup of honey
• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp of lemon juice
• 1 tsp of vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. Grease a large baking dish with butter.

2. Mix together the chopped walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a bowl.

3. Brush melted butter onto the bottom of the baking dish.

4. Take a sheet of phyllo pastry and place it into the baking dish.

5. Brush the top of the pastry with melted butter. Repeat this process with half of the pastry sheets.

6. Sprinkle half of the walnut mixture onto the phyllo pastry in the dish.

7. Place another sheet of phyllo pastry onto the walnut mixture and brush with melted butter. Repeat this process with the remaining sheets of pastry.

8. Sprinkle the rest of the walnut mixture onto the top of the last sheet of pastry.

9. Cut the baklava into small diamond shapes.

10. Bake the baklava in the oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.

11. While the baklava is baking, make the syrup by combining the honey, water, sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.

12. Remove the baklava from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes.

13. Pour the hot syrup over the cooled baklava.

14. Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving.

Enjoy your delicious homemade Greek baklava!

• Greek