Walnut Baklava

Baklawa, often referred to as baklava in other parts of the world, is a decadent and flaky dessert showcasing layers of phyllo pastry filled with a sweet walnut mixture, all drenched in a fragrant simple syrup. This iconic Middle Eastern treat is perfect for any occasion and sure to impress your guests with its delicate flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the Simple Syrup:

🍚 3 cups sugar

💧 2 cups water

🍋 1 teaspoon lemon juice

For the Walnut Filling:

🌰 5 cups walnuts, crushed

🍬 1/2 cup powdered sugar

🍂 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

🌿 1/2 teaspoon cardamom

🧈 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter

For the Assembly:

🥣 1 package phyllo dough, at room temperature

🧈 3 sticks of unsalted butter, melted

🥜 Pistachios, crushed, for garnish

Instructions

1- Prepare the Simple Syrup:

• In a pot, combine the sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil and let it simmer for about 12 minutes until it thickens slightly. Set aside to cool.

2- Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

3- Make the Walnut Filling:

• In a large bowl, mix together the crushed walnuts, powdered sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and melted butter until the mixture is well combined and uniformly textured.

4- Assemble the Baklawa:

• Unroll the phyllo sheets and take two sheets at a time.

• Spread approximately 4 to 5 tablespoons of the walnut filling onto one end of the phyllo sheet.

• Roll tightly and place seam side down on a baking sheet. Repeat this process until all the phyllo sheets and filling have been used.

• Cut the baklawa into small, bite-sized pieces.

5- Bake the Baklawa:

• Pour the melted butter evenly over the entire tray of baklawa.

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown.

6- Finish and Serve:

• Once baked, remove the baklawa from the oven and immediately pour the cooled simple syrup evenly over it.

• Sprinkle with crushed pistachios for a lovely garnish.

• Allow it to cool down to room temperature before serving for the best texture and flavor enjoyment.

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Servings: Approximately 24 pieces

Calories per Serving: 270

Nutritional Information per Serving:

• Proteins: 3g

• Fats: 18g

• Carbohydrates: 25g

Equipment: Pot, large bowl, baking sheet, oven

Cooking Tips

• Ensure that the phyllo dough is at room temperature to prevent cracking when rolling.

• Use a sharp knife for cutting to maintain clean edges and aesthetic appeal.

• For a more traditional flavor, consider adding a slight drizzle of rose or orange blossom water to the syrup.

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Walnut Baklava