17 Easy Baklava Recipe South Africa Delight In These Amazing Recipes!
Published on: Mar 6, 2024
Baklava is a popular dessert that has its roots in the Middle East. However, this sweet and flaky treat has made its way to South Africa and has become a beloved dessert among locals. With its layers of crispy pastry, nuts, and sweet syrup, it's no wonder why baklava is a favorite in South Africa. If you've always wanted to try making this delectable dessert at home but thought it was too difficult, think again. With this easy baklava recipe, you can enjoy the taste of this traditional Middle Eastern dessert right in the comfort of your own home.
Main Ingredients: Phyllo Dough, Pumpkin Puree, Butter, Nutmeg, Clove
If you're looking to add a unique and flavorful twist to your traditional baklava recipe, try incorporating some pumpkin into the mix. This autumn-inspired baklava is a perfect combination of sweet and savory, with layers of flaky phyllo dough, spiced pumpkin puree, and nuts drizzled with honey. The result is a rich and indulgent treat that is sure to impress your guests.
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Bunny Chow South Africa
Main Ingredients: Chicken Thighs, Canola Oil, Curry Leaves, Minced
Bunny chow, also known as "bunny", is a popular South African street food dish that originated in Durban. This hearty meal consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a spicy curry, typically made with chicken or mutton. The dish is believed to have been created by Indian immigrants who used the bread as a convenient way to transport their food to work.
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Bobotie – Savory ground meat custard from South Africa
Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Whole Milk, Large Eggs, White Bread
Bobotie is a traditional South African dish that is a perfect representation of the country's fusion of cultures. This savory custard-like dish is made with ground meat, typically beef or lamb, mixed with spices, topped with an egg and milk mixture, and baked until golden brown. It is often served with yellow rice, chutney, and sambal, a spicy relish made with chili peppers and fruits.
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Baklava
Main Ingredients: Phyllo Dough, Chopped Walnuts, Cinnamon, Butter, Honey
Baklava is a classic Middle Eastern dessert that has gained popularity all over the world. It is made with layers of thin, flaky phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts, and sweetened with a syrup or honey. The exact origin of baklava is disputed, with many countries claiming it as their own, but one thing is for sure – it is a delicious and indulgent treat that is loved by many.
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Lamb stew from South Africa
Main Ingredients: Lamb Shoulder, Butter, Tomatoes, Red Chilies, Medium
South Africa is known for its flavorful stews, and lamb stew is no exception. This hearty dish is made with tender chunks of lamb, potatoes, and vegetables, all simmered in a rich and flavorful broth. It is often served with pap, a type of porridge made from maize meal, and chakalaka, a spicy relish made with vegetables and beans.
Main Ingredients: Phyllo, Walnuts, Butter, Brown Sugar, Honey, Cinnamon
Baklava can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive dessert to make, but these lazy day baklava bites are here to change that. This simplified version of the traditional recipe uses store-bought phyllo dough and takes just 20 minutes to prepare and bake. The result is a bite-sized version of the classic dessert that is perfect for snacking or serving at parties.
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Mini Pistachio, Walnut & Honey Baklava
Main Ingredients: Walnuts, Shelled Pistachios, Cinnamon, Pepper, Phyllo
If you're a fan of nuts, this baklava recipe is for you. These mini baklava bites are filled with a mixture of pistachios and walnuts, and sweetened with a drizzle of honey. The combination of crunchy nuts and sweet honey is a match made in heaven, and the smaller size of the baklava makes it a perfect grab-and-go treat.
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Mocklava (Easy Baklava)
Main Ingredients: Dough, Chopped Pecans, Sugar, Ground Cinnamon, Honey
For a quick and easy version of baklava, try making this mocklava recipe. It uses crescent roll dough instead of phyllo dough, making it a simpler and more accessible option for those who may not have access to phyllo dough or want to avoid the time and effort of working with it. The result is a delicious and flaky dessert that is sure to please.
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Pistachio Baklava
Main Ingredients: Unsalted Pistachios, Phyllo Pastry Dough, Unsalted
Pistachio lovers, rejoice! This baklava recipe is filled with a generous amount of chopped pistachios, giving it a vibrant green color and a delicious nutty flavor. The pistachios are mixed with a touch of cinnamon and sugar, adding a subtle warmth to the dessert. This is a must-try for anyone who loves pistachios.
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Baklava Cookies
Main Ingredients: Butter, Powdered Sugar, Honey, Walnuts, Cinnamon
If you can't decide between baklava and cookies, why not have both? These baklava cookies combine the best of both worlds, with a buttery cookie base topped with a layer of chopped nuts and honey. They are the perfect treat to satisfy your sweet tooth and can be easily made in large batches for sharing.
Greek baklava is a classic dessert that is loved all over the world. It is made with layers of phyllo dough, filled with a mixture of chopped nuts, and soaked in a sweet syrup made with honey, sugar, and lemon juice. This indulgent dessert is often served at celebrations and holidays, and it is sure to be a hit with anyone who tries it.
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Baklava Cheesecake
Main Ingredients: Butter, Phyllo Dough, Cream Cheese, Sugar, All Purpose
For a decadent and unique twist on traditional baklava, try making this baklava cheesecake. This rich and creamy dessert combines the flavors of baklava with a creamy cheesecake filling and a crunchy phyllo crust. It is a perfect show-stopping dessert for any special occasion.
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The Lazy Cook's Baklava
Main Ingredients: Shells, Pistachios, Cashews, Chopped Almonds, Honey
If you love the taste of baklava but don't have the time or patience to make it from scratch, this recipe is for you. This lazy cook's baklava uses store-bought phyllo dough, making it a quick and easy dessert option that still delivers on flavor. It is perfect for those busy days when you want something sweet without all the fuss.
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Rolled Baklava, Baklava Rolls
Main Ingredients: Phyllo, Unsalted Pistachios, Roasted Almonds, Walnuts
This rolled baklava recipe is a fun and unique way to enjoy this classic dessert. Instead of the traditional layered method, the phyllo dough is rolled into individual rolls, making them perfect for snacking or sharing. The filling can also be customized with different nuts or spices to suit your taste.
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Honey Pistachio Baklava aka Filo Pistachio Baklava
Main Ingredients: Filo Pastry, Pistachio, Butter, Sugar, Honey, Water
This honey pistachio baklava recipe is a delicious and elegant dessert option. The phyllo dough is filled with a mixture of chopped pistachios, cinnamon, and honey, and then soaked in a sweet syrup. The result is a beautiful and decadent dessert that is sure to impress.
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Baked Apple Baklava
Main Ingredients: Apples, Pecans, Brown Sugar, Butter, Cinnamon, Pastry
For a twist on traditional baklava, try making this baked apple version. Slices of apple are layered between the phyllo dough, adding a touch of sweetness and tartness to the dessert. This is a perfect fall-inspired treat that is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Greek dessert baklava is a must-try for anyone who loves the traditional version. This authentic recipe uses a blend of walnuts and almonds for the filling, along with a touch of cinnamon and cloves. The layers of phyllo dough are brushed with butter for a crispy and buttery finish, and the whole dessert is soaked in a honey syrup for added sweetness.
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Baklava- How to Make Baklava
Main Ingredients: Shelled Pistachios, Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Sugar, Ground
If you've never made baklava before and are looking for a step-by-step guide, this recipe is for you. It breaks down the process of making baklava into easy-to-follow steps, from preparing the phyllo dough to layering and baking the dessert. With this recipe, you'll be able to make your own delicious baklava at home with confidence.
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Baklava Yogurt Parfait with Homemade Baklava Crumbles
Main Ingredients: Phyllo Dough, Unsalted Pistachios, Confectioner Sugar
This baklava yogurt parfait is a lighter and healthier take on the traditional dessert. It uses Greek yogurt as the base, layered with homemade baklava crumbles and fresh fruit. The result is a refreshing and satisfying dessert that is perfect for a quick and easy treat.
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Pumpkin Bredie (South Africa)
Main Ingredients: Oil, Lamb, Onions, Chili Pepper, Water, Pumpkin, Ground
Pumpkin bredie is a popular South African dish that is a perfect comfort food for the colder months. This hearty stew is made with chunks of pumpkin, lamb, and a variety of vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth. It is often served with rice or bread and is a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
The Ingredients You'll Need
To make this easy baklava recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients that are easily available in most grocery stores. These include phyllo pastry sheets, butter, mixed nuts, sugar, water, honey, cinnamon, and lemon juice. The combination of these ingredients creates the perfect balance of sweetness, crunch, and nuttiness that makes baklava so irresistible.
Choosing the Right Phyllo Pastry Sheets
The key to a successful baklava lies in the phyllo pastry sheets. These thin and delicate sheets of dough can be found in the frozen section of most grocery stores. It's important to choose high-quality sheets that are easy to work with and do not tear easily. Filo pastry is also a great alternative if you can't find phyllo pastry sheets.
Making the Syrup
One of the signature elements of baklava is the sweet and sticky syrup that is poured over the layers of pastry. To make the syrup, you'll need to combine sugar, water, honey, cinnamon, and lemon juice in a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for a few minutes until it thickens, then set it aside to cool.
Layering the Pastry and Nuts
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to start layering the baklava. Start by brushing melted butter on a baking dish, then place a layer of phyllo pastry sheets on top. Brush more butter on top of the pastry, then sprinkle a layer of mixed nuts on top. Repeat this process until you have about 6 layers of pastry and nuts.
Baking and Pouring the Syrup
Before baking, use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into diamond-shaped pieces. This will make it easier to serve later on. Bake the baklava in the oven at 180 degrees Celsius for about 30 minutes, or until it turns golden brown.
Once the baklava is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup over it. The hot baklava will absorb the syrup, creating a deliciously sweet and sticky dessert.
Letting It Cool and Serving
It's important to let the baklava cool completely before serving. This will allow the layers to set and the syrup to soak into every layer, making it even more delicious. Once cooled, serve your homemade baklava with a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top for added crunch.
Now that you have this easy baklava recipe, you can impress your family and friends with this traditional Middle Eastern dessert. The combination of crispy pastry, nutty filling, and sweet syrup will surely make it a crowd favorite. So next time you're craving something sweet, give this recipe a try and indulge in the flavors of South Africa's baklava.