Authentic Greek Baklava Recipe: Crispy, Honey-Drenched Perfection
Greek baklava is a beloved pastry of Greece I love its delicate layers of phyllo dough, nuts, and honey syrup. Let me tell you about its historical roots, we can trace back it to the Ottoman Empire when it was enjoyed as a staple of Greek cuisine. This baklava is loved by many people around the world and it’s the best time to make a Greek Baklava recipe at home.
Being a food lover iam always curious to make traditional recipes, not only these you can find me making other recipes as well like stacker sauce, steak bagel, and Korean sauces. Now, stick with me to the end, and let’s make a Greek baklava recipe.
What Ingredients Required For Greek Baklava Recipe
Keep the below ingredients ready before preparing the Greek baklava recipe have a look at the list of the ingredients:
1. Phyllo Dough: I typically use a pack of phyllo dough sheets – they’re those super thin pastry layers that make everything crispy and flaky.
2. Nuts: chopped walnuts (or a mix of walnuts, pistachios, and almonds) You’ll want these roughly chopped – I usually go for walnuts, but mix them up if you like.
3. Cinnamon Powder: Just regular ground cinnamon – we don’t need anything fancy here.
4. Ground Clove: Trust me on this one – it adds that special something to the mix.
5. Butter: Get this nice and melted – we’ll brush it between layers.
For the Syrup:
1. Sugar: Yes, it’s a lot of sugar, but that’s what makes baklava so indulgent.
2. Water: Just regular water to help dissolve everything.
3. Honey or Glucose: I prefer honey, but glucose works too if that’s what you have on hand.
4. Zest of 1 Lemon or Orange: I usually go with lemon, but orange adds a nice twist if you want to change things up.
5. Cinnamon Stick: One good-sized stick will do the trick – we’ll fish it out later.
What Equipment Required For Greek Baklava Recipe
To make Greek Baklava, you’ll need the following equipment:
1. 9×13 inch Baking Dish: For assembling and baking the baklava.
2. Pastry Brush: For brushing the phyllo dough with melted butter.
3. Sharp Knife: For cutting the baklava into diamond or square shapes.
4. Mixing Bowls: For mixing the nut filling and preparing the syrup.
5. Saucepan: For making the syrup.
6. Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurately measuring ingredients.
7. Damp Cloth: To keep the phyllo dough from drying out while you work.
Steps To Make Greek Baklava Recipe
When you get your ingredients ready it’s time to know the steps to make a Greek baklava recipe. Here are the steps that you need to keep in practice.
1. Prepare the Nut Mixture: Mix up your nuts with the cinnamon and clove – I just toss it all in a bowl and give it a good stir.
2. Prepare the Phyllo Dough: Let the phyllo thaw properly – I keep mine under a damp kitchen towel so it doesn’t dry out and get brittle.
3. Assemble the Baklava: Heat the oven to 350°F. Butter your 9×13 dish, then start layering – 8 sheets of phyllo first (butter between each!), then nuts, and keep going. Top it off with 8 more buttered phyllo sheets.
4. Cut the Baklava: Cut into diamonds or squares – make sure your knife is super sharp for clean cuts.
5. Bake the Baklava: Pop it in for about 45-50 mins until it’s gorgeously golden brown.
6. Prepare the Syrup: While that’s baking, I make the syrup – just throw everything in a pot, bring it to a boil, then simmer for 10 mins.
7. Add the Syrup: As soon as the baklava’s done, pour that warm syrup all over it. Don’t miss any spots.
8. Let it Soak: The hardest part – waiting! Give it at least 6 hours, but honestly, I leave mine overnight.
9. Serve: That’s it! Your baklava’s ready to devour. Trust me, it’s worth all the effort.
Nutritional Information
Here is the nutritional information for Greek Baklava per 100 grams:
Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
---|---|
Calories | 428 kcal |
Total Fat | 29.03g |
Saturated Fat | 12.224g |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 5.23g |
Monounsaturated Fat | 9.743g |
Cholesterol | 45mg |
Sodium | 324mg |
Total Carbohydrates | 37.62g |
Dietary Fiber | 2.6g |
Sugars | 12.71g |
Protein | 6.7g |
Vitamin D | – |
Calcium | 39mg |
Iron | 2.08mg |
Potassium | 172mg |
Vitamin A | 143mcg |
Vitamin C | 1.4mg |
Recipe Card
Authentic Greek Baklava Recipe
Equipment
- 1 9×13 inch Baking Dish
- 1 Pastry Brush
- 1 Sharp Knife
- 2 Mixing Bowls one for the nut mixture and one for the syrup
- 1 Saucepan
- 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 1 Damp Cloth
Ingredients
- Phyllo Dough 25-30 sheets
- Nuts 500g chopped walnuts or a mix of walnuts, pistachios, and almonds
- 2 tablespoons Cinnamon Powder
- 2 tablespoons Ground Clove
- Butter 300g melted
- Sugar 600g
- Water 400g
- Honey or Glucose 80g
- Zest of 1 Lemon or Orange
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon Stick
Instructions
- Prepare the Nut Mixture: In a bowl, combine chopped nuts, cinnamon, and ground clove. Mix well.
- Thaw Phyllo Dough: Keep phyllo dough covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
- Assemble the Baklava: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a 9×13 inch baking dish. Layer 8 sheets of phyllo, brushing melted butter between each sheet. Sprinkle half of the nut mixture over the layers. Repeat with another 8 sheets of phyllo, followed by the remaining nuts. Top with 8 more buttered phyllo sheets.
- Cut the Baklava: Using a sharp knife, cut the assembled baklava into diamond or square shapes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Prepare the Syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, honey, lemon zest, and a cinnamon stick. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add Syrup: Once the baklava is done baking, pour the warm syrup evenly over it.
- Let it Soak: Allow baklava to soak in syrup for at least 6 hours or overnight for best flavor.
- Serve: Cut along the original cuts and serve your delicious baklava!
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Notes
Conclusion
Making this traditional Greek baklava might take some time and patience, but trust me – it’s worth every minute. The combination of crispy phyllo, warm spices, and sweet honey syrup creates a dessert that’s simply irresistible. While it’s definitely a treat (as you can see from those nutrition facts), its rich heritage and incredible taste make it perfect for special occasions. Give it a try – once you master these layers of deliciousness, you’ll want to make it again and again.