16 Baklava Recipe Greek Version Get Ready To Indulge!
Published on: Mar 31, 2024
If you're a fan of Greek desserts, then you've probably heard of baklava. This iconic pastry is a staple in Greek cuisine and is loved by people all over the world. The traditional recipe for baklava can seem intimidating to make, but with a few key tips and tricks, you can easily recreate this delicious dessert at home. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to making a perfect baklava using the Greek version of the recipe. So get your ingredients ready and let's get baking!
Before we dive into the baklava-making process, let's go over the ingredients you will need. The main component of baklava is phyllo dough, which can be found in the freezer section of most grocery stores. You will also need butter, walnuts or pistachios, and a syrup made from honey, water, and lemon juice. Some optional ingredients that can add even more flavor to your baklava are cinnamon, clove, and orange zest. Make sure to have all your ingredients measured and ready before starting the recipe.
Preparing the Phyllo Dough
One of the keys to making a perfect baklava is handling the phyllo dough properly. Phyllo dough is paper-thin and can dry out quickly, so it's important to keep it covered with a damp towel while working with it. Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it with melted butter. Then, repeat this process with five more sheets, stacking them on top of each other. This will create a buttery and flaky base for your baklava.
Making the Nut Filling
The traditional Greek version of baklava uses either walnuts or pistachios for the filling. You can use either one or a combination of both, depending on your preference. Crush the nuts into small pieces and mix them with sugar, cinnamon, clove, and orange zest if desired. Then, sprinkle this mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo dough.
Layering and Baking
Repeat the process of layering six sheets of phyllo dough and brushing them with butter. Then, add another layer of the nut mixture. Continue this process until you have used all the phyllo dough and nut mixture, ending with a layer of phyllo dough on top. Before baking, use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into diamonds or squares. This will make it easier to serve later on. Bake the baklava in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 45 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Adding the Syrup
While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup by heating honey, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Once the baklava is out of the oven, pour the syrup over it while it's still hot. This will allow the syrup to seep into the layers of the baklava and give it a deliciously sweet and sticky texture.
Now that your baklava is ready, let it cool completely before serving. You can also top it with some crushed pistachios for added flavor and presentation. The Greek version of baklava is a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors, and with this recipe, you can easily recreate it in your own kitchen. So go ahead and indulge in this heavenly dessert that will surely impress your family and friends.
