Ultimate Greek Baklava Bliss
Experience the heart of Greece with this decadent Baklava, lovingly crafted to perfection. Unlike mass-produced varieties, this homemade gem captures the essence of tradition, blending layers of flaky phyllo pastry with a rich mixture of walnuts, sugar, and fragrant spices. Each bite reveals a delightful crunch followed by a sweet, syrupy finish, making it a timeless dessert that has enchanted generations. Embrace the sweet symphony of flavors that echoes the historical and cultural ties between Greece and the Middle East. Whether served on special occasions or as a delightful everyday treat, this Baklava will leave you mesmerized and craving more. Get ready to unveil a dessert that truly reflects the artistry of Greek culinary heritage. Kali orexi – bon appétit! Maria.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Phyllo pastry
500 g (Keep covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.)
Walnuts
300 g (Coarsely chopped.)
Fine dry breadcrumbs
200 g
Fresh melted butter
250 g (Melted (not margarine).)
Sugar
1/2 cup
Ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon
Whole cloves
10 (For decoration.)
Water
2 cups
Sugar for syrup
4 cups
Lemon or orange
1 small (Juice of (or 1/2 for orange), optional finely grated rind.)
Instructions
1
Begin by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2
In a bowl, combine the coarsely chopped walnuts, fine breadcrumbs, and ground cinnamon. Set the mixture aside.
3
Butter a large baking pan thoroughly, ensuring the sides are well-coated to prevent sticking.
4
Place the first layer of 5 phyllo sheets in the pan, buttering each sheet individually as you stack them. Make sure to keep the remaining phyllo covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out.
5
Spread half of the nut mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo layer, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
6
Add another 3 sheets of phyllo on top of the nut filling, repeating the buttering process for each sheet.
7
Spread the remaining nut mixture evenly over this second layer, followed by another 5 sheets of phyllo, again buttering each as before.
8
Gently press down the top layer of phyllo to adhere it well, then use a sharp knife to trim off any excess pastry around the edges.
9
Carefully cut the Baklava into triangle-shaped pieces, making sure to cut all the way through the layers. Decorate every third piece with a whole clove, piercing it through the top layer.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
11
While the Baklava bakes, prepare the syrup by simmering 2 cups of water with 4 cups of sugar and the juice of your choice in a saucepan over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring until the sugar fully dissolves. Allow to cool.
12
Once the Baklava is done, immediately pour the cooled syrup over the hot pastry. Allow the Baklava to soak in the syrup, keeping in mind that it’s normal for the top to remain crisp.
13
Let the Baklava cool completely before serving; enjoy the delectable edges!
14
*** Important: Do not use an oven fan while baking the Baklava, as it may cause the top layers to burn.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Greek Baklava Bliss?
It is a traditional homemade Greek dessert made with layers of flaky phyllo pastry, a rich mixture of walnuts, sugar, and fragrant spices, finished with a sweet syrup.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking Baklava?
The oven should be preheated to 180°C (350°F) for the best results.
How do I prevent the phyllo pastry from drying out during assembly?
Keep the remaining phyllo sheets covered with a damp kitchen towel while you work.
What type of nuts are used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses 300g of coarsely chopped walnuts.
Why are breadcrumbs included in the nut mixture?
Fine dry breadcrumbs are mixed with the walnuts and cinnamon to help provide texture and absorb some of the butter and syrup.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
No, the recipe specifies using 250g of fresh melted butter and explicitly states not to use margarine.
How many sheets of phyllo make up the bottom layer?
The first layer consists of 5 phyllo sheets, each buttered individually.
How is the nut mixture divided throughout the pastry?
The nut mixture is divided into two equal halves and spread over two different layers of phyllo.
How many sheets of phyllo are placed between the two nut layers?
There are 3 sheets of individually buttered phyllo placed between the two layers of the nut mixture.
How many sheets of phyllo form the top layer?
The top layer consists of 5 sheets of phyllo pastry, each buttered individually.
Should I trim the pastry edges?
Yes, use a sharp knife to trim off any excess pastry around the edges before baking.
What shape should the Baklava be cut into?
The Baklava should be carefully cut into triangle-shaped pieces all the way through the layers.
What is the purpose of the whole cloves?
Whole cloves are used for decoration, pierced through the top layer of every third piece.
How long does the Baklava need to bake?
It should bake for approximately 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
What ingredients are needed for the syrup?
The syrup is made from 2 cups of water, 4 cups of sugar, and the juice of a small lemon or orange.
How do I prepare the syrup?
Simmer the water, sugar, and juice over low heat for about 10 minutes until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool.
What is the rule for adding syrup to the Baklava?
Always pour cooled syrup over the hot Baklava immediately after it comes out of the oven.
Can I use an oven fan while baking?
No, do not use an oven fan as it may cause the delicate top layers of phyllo to burn.
Is it normal for the top of the Baklava to be crisp after adding syrup?
Yes, it is normal for the top layer to remain crisp even after soaking in the syrup.
How long should I wait before serving the Baklava?
The Baklava should be allowed to cool completely before serving to ensure the flavors and textures set.
What flavor of juice is best for the syrup?
You can use either lemon or orange juice; you can also add optional finely grated rind for extra fragrance.
What spices are included in the filling?
The filling is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
How much phyllo pastry is required for this recipe?
The recipe requires 500g of phyllo pastry.
How much sugar is in the nut mixture itself?
The nut mixture contains 1/2 cup of sugar, which is separate from the sugar used in the syrup.
What does 'Kali orexi' mean?
'Kali orexi' is a Greek phrase meaning 'bon appétit' or 'enjoy your meal'.
How much sugar is needed for the syrup?
The syrup requires 4 cups of sugar to achieve the traditional sweet finish.
Should the baking pan be prepared in a specific way?
Yes, the baking pan should be buttered thoroughly, including the sides, to prevent sticking.
How many whole cloves are used?
Approximately 10 whole cloves are used for decorating the pieces.
Is this a traditional Greek recipe?
Yes, it is a traditional recipe that reflects the artistry of Greek culinary heritage and its ties to the Middle East.
What texture should the walnuts have?
The walnuts should be coarsely chopped to provide a satisfying crunch in every bite.