Baklava Recipe How to Make Baklava

When Should Baklava be Consumed and General Information About Baklava

Baklava is a delicious dessert belonging to Middle Eastern and Southeast European cuisine. It is prepared by layering thin pastry sheets with crushed nuts or pistachios and is typically sweetened with syrup. Here is some general information about baklava:

1. Historical Background: The origins of baklava can be traced back to the Middle East, dating as far back as the 8th century BC. However, its modern form became popular during the Ottoman Empire.
2. Ingredients: For baklava dough, flour, water, salt, and butter are used. The filling consists of crushed walnuts, pistachios, or almonds. The syrup is made from water, sugar, and lemon juice.
3. Preparation: Making baklava is a labor-intensive process. The dough is rolled out, filled with nuts, folded, sliced, and then baked. After baking, it is combined with syrup while both are at different temperatures.
4. Varieties: There are many different types of baklava. For example, there’s pistachio baklava, walnut baklava, almond baklava, and various regional variations with different shapes and fillings.
5. Consumption Time: Baklava is typically consumed on special occasions, holidays, weddings, and festive celebrations. It is also a popular choice for dessert after the iftar meal during Ramadan.
6. Presentation: Baklava is usually sliced into triangular or square pieces and served. Various decorative elements can be added on top.
7. Nutritional Value: Baklava is a highly nutritious dessert and provides a good source of energy. However, it is high in sugar and fat, so it should be consumed in moderation.
8. National Dessert: Baklava is considered a national dessert in many Middle Eastern and Balkan countries, and it is an integral part of the culinary culture in these regions.

In conclusion, baklava is a delicious and traditional dessert. Although its preparation may be time-consuming, the results are definitely worth it. Baklava is a wonderful option to treat your loved ones, especially on special occasions.

Ingredients:

For the dough:

• 250 grams of butter or margarine
• 1 cup of vegetable oil
• Half a cup of water
• 1 teaspoon of vinegar
• Half a packet of baking powder
• Half a teaspoon of salt
• 1 egg (yolk for the dough, white for the top)
• Enough flour (about 4-5 cups)

For the filling:

• 300 grams of crushed walnuts

For the syrup:

• 3 cups of water
• 3 cups of sugar
• Half a lemon’s juice

Instructions:

1. For the dough, mix melted butter, vegetable oil, water, vinegar, baking powder, salt, and egg yolk in a bowl.
2. Gradually add flour while kneading. Continue to add flour until you have a non-sticky dough. The dough should be soft.
3. Divide the dough into walnut-sized balls and cover with a damp cloth. Let it rest for about 30 minutes.
4. Roll out the rested dough balls thinly on a floured surface using a rolling pin. (Baklava pastry should be thin.)
5. Place the rolled out pastries on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, brushing oil between the layers.
6. Sprinkle crushed walnuts between the layers of pastry.
7. Fold the pastry over the walnuts, and sprinkle more walnuts on top.
8. Brush the top layer with oil to prevent it from getting crispy.
9. Slice the pastry and bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius until the top and bottom are golden brown.
10. After removing from the oven, let the hot baklava cool, and while it’s cooling, start making the syrup by boiling water and sugar. After it boils, squeeze in lemon juice and continue to boil for another 10-15 minutes.
11. Remove the syrup from heat and let it cool.
12. Pour the cooled syrup over the hot baklava.
13. Allow the baklava to sit and absorb the syrup.
14. Your baklava is now ready to be served. Enjoy!

Note: It’s important for the pastry to be thin, so try to roll out the pastries as thinly as possible. Also, when pouring the syrup over the hot baklava, make sure the baklava is hot and the syrup is cold. This helps the syrup to be absorbed better.