Baklava – The Legendary Turkish Pastry

 

🌍 Country of Origin:

Turkey (and the wider Ottoman Empire) – Baklava is a centuries-old dessert made of layers of thin pastry, nuts, and sweet syrup. It's enjoyed across Turkey, Greece, the Levant, and the Balkans, each with their own twist.

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🍯 What is Baklava?

Baklava is a rich, sweet dessert made of phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts (usually pistachios or walnuts), and soaked in a fragrant sugar or honey syrup. It's crisp, sticky, and melts in your mouth—ideal for festive occasions or to impress your guests.

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🧂 Ingredients (Makes 24 squares):

For the pastry:

1 package (450g / 1 lb) phyllo dough (thawed if frozen)
200g (7 oz) unsalted butter (melted)
2 cups chopped walnuts or pistachios (or a mix)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

For the syrup:

1 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional)

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🔪 How to Make Baklava – Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Nut Filling

In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts with cinnamon (if using). Set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Baklava

Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter.
Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the pan. Brush with melted butter.
Repeat, layering 8 sheets, brushing each one with butter.
Sprinkle a layer of the nut mixture (about 1/3 of the total).
Add 5 more sheets of phyllo, buttering each one.
Add another layer of nuts, followed by more phyllo.
Repeat until you finish the nuts and top with 8–10 more sheets, each buttered.
Using a sharp knife, cut into diamonds or squares before baking.

Step 3: Bake the Baklava

Bake in the preheated oven for 45–50 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

Step 4: Make the Syrup

While the baklava is baking, combine sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan.
Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and stir in rose water (if using). Let cool slightly.

Step 5: Pour the Syrup

When the baklava is done, immediately pour the warm syrup over the hot pastry.
Let it soak for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight) before serving.

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🥄 Serving Suggestions

Baklava is best served at room temperature, cut into small diamond-shaped pieces, with Turkish tea or Arabic coffee. You can sprinkle extra crushed pistachios on top for a professional look.

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📖 Cultural Insight

Baklava is a treasured dessert in Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Iran, and Greece. It symbolizes hospitality, festivity, and celebration—often found at weddings, religious feasts, and holidays like Eid and Christmas.

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📝 Final Thoughts

Baklava might look complex, but with pre-made phyllo dough