Turkish Baklava

History:

Baklava is a sweet and decadent pastry that has a rich history in Turkey and the broader Middle East. While the exact origins of baklava are disputed, it is widely believed to have been perfected by the Ottoman Empire, making it a quintessential Turkish dessert. Baklava consists of layers of thin pastry dough, filled with a mixture of chopped nuts (typically pistachios or walnuts), sweetened with syrup or honey, and often flavored with spices like cinnamon. This dessert is a symbol of celebration and hospitality in Turkish culture.

Ingredients:

For the Baklava:

• 1 package of phyllo pastry sheets (about 16 oz), thawed if frozen
• 2 cups mixed nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or almonds), finely chopped
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Syrup:

• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• 1 lemon peel strip (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Nut Filling:

• In a bowl, combine the finely chopped nuts and ground cinnamon, if using. Set aside.
  
  
  

2. Assemble the Baklava:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Brush a baking dish (typically 9x13 inches) with melted butter.
• Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry in the dish and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this process, stacking and buttering each sheet, until you have about 8-10 layers.

3. Add the Nut Filling:

• Sprinkle a thin, even layer of the nut mixture over the buttered phyllo sheets.

4. Continue Layering:

• Add another phyllo sheet and brush it with melted butter.
• Repeat this process for another 8-10 layers.

5. Cut into Diamond or Square Shapes:

• Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes. Be gentle to avoid tearing the pastry.

6. Bake:

• Place the baklava in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until it turns golden brown and crispy.

7. Make the Syrup:

• While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, honey, cinnamon stick (if using), and lemon peel strip (if using).
• Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon peel strip once the syrup is done.

8. Pour the Syrup:

• As soon as the baklava comes out of the oven, immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over it, ensuring it soaks into all the layers.

9. Allow to Cool:

• Let the baklava cool to room temperature. This allows the syrup to be absorbed and the pastry to become crisp.

10. Serve:

• Once cooled, you can serve the baklava in the diamond or square shapes you cut earlier.

Turkish Baklava is a delightful treat that offers a perfect blend of crunchy layers, sweet nut filling, and fragrant syrup. It's a dessert that's often served on special occasions and during holidays in Turkey, and it's sure to impress anyone with its intricate layers and rich flavors. Enjoy!