Baklava

Baklava
Lebanon
⏱ — min. Serves: —

Ingredients

  • For the Baklava:
  • 1 package phyllo dough (16 oz), thawed
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups walnuts or pistachios, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • For the Syrup:
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon rose water or orange blossom water (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Syrup

Cook Syrup

In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.

Simmer

Reduce the heat and let the syrup simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it thickens slightly. If using, add the rose water or orange blossom water. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Prepare the Baklava

Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare Phyllo Dough

Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.

Assemble Baklava

Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush it lightly with butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet, until you have 8 sheets layered.

Add Nut Mixture

In a bowl, mix the finely chopped walnuts or pistachios with ground cinnamon and ground cloves. Spread a thin, even layer of the nut mixture over the top phyllo layer.

Continue Layering

Continue layering the phyllo dough and butter, placing 8 more sheets on top of the nut mixture. Brush each sheet with butter.

Cut Baklava

Once all layers are assembled, use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.

Add Syrup

Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Allow it to soak and cool for at least 4 hours or overnight for the best flavor.

Serve

Enjoy

Enjoy your meal!