Introduction
Transport your taste buds to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with our exquisite Old-Fashioned Baklava recipe. This beloved dessert is a symphony of flavors and textures, featuring layers of crisp phyllo pastry, sweet honey, and a decadent nut filling. With its rich history and irresistible taste, baklava is a treat that’s sure to delight your senses and leave you craving more.
History
Baklava has been enjoyed for centuries in the Mediterranean region, with its origins dating back to the Ottoman Empire. Originally enjoyed by royalty and nobility, this luxurious dessert has since become a beloved staple in households around the world. Our Old-Fashioned Baklava recipe pays homage to this rich culinary heritage, offering a taste of tradition that’s as delightful today as it was centuries ago.
Ingredients
Prepare to make Old-Fashioned Baklava with the following ingredients:
- 1 package (16 ounces) phyllo pastry dough, thawed
- 1 1/2 cups mixed nuts (such as walnuts, pistachios, and almonds), finely chopped
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Nut Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped mixed nuts with ground cinnamon and ground cloves. Stir until well combined and set aside.
Step 2: Prep Phyllo Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Carefully unroll the phyllo pastry dough and place it on a clean, dry surface. Cover the phyllo dough with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out.
Step 3: Layer Phyllo Dough
Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet of phyllo dough, until you have used about half of the phyllo sheets.
Step 4: Add Nut Filling
Sprinkle half of the nut filling evenly over the layered phyllo dough in the baking dish.
Step 5: Continue Layering
Continue layering the remaining sheets of phyllo dough on top of the nut filling, brushing each sheet with melted butter as you go. Once all the phyllo sheets are used, sprinkle the remaining nut filling evenly over the top layer.
Step 6: Cut into Diamonds
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the layered baklava into diamond-shaped pieces, making sure to cut all the way through the layers.
Step 7: Bake
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.
Step 8: Make Syrup
While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Step 9: Pour Syrup
Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Allow the baklava to cool completely in the baking dish, allowing the syrup to soak into the layers.
Step 10: Serve
Once cooled, carefully lift the pieces of baklava out of the baking dish and transfer them to a serving platter. Serve at room temperature and enjoy the sweet and nutty goodness of Old-Fashioned Baklava!
Conclusion
With its delicate layers of phyllo pastry, sweet honey syrup, and aromatic nut filling, Old-Fashioned Baklava is a decadent treat that’s perfect for special occasions or everyday indulgence. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee as an afternoon snack or served as a dessert at your next dinner party, this timeless Mediterranean delight is sure to impress. Embrace the flavors of tradition and savor the deliciousness of Old-Fashioned Baklava.