Recipe: How to make Baklava

by | Jun 16, 2023 | Lebanese Cuisine, Recipes

Baklava with pistachios sprinkled on top

Baklava is a sweet dessert that originated in the Middle East and its origins are traced back to the Ottoman Empire. Baklava is made with layers of thin and crispy phyllo pastry, chopped nuts (usually walnuts, pistachios or almonds), and a sweet syrup or honey. The pastry is usually cut into diamond or square shapes and can be served as a dessert or snack. Here is how to make your own at home:

Ingredients:

  • 1 package of phyllo pastry (usually comes with 20-30 sheets)
  • 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups of chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or a combination)
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
  • 1 cup of water
  • 1 cup of sugar
  • 1/2 cup of honey
  • 1 cinnamon stick

 

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. In a bowl, mix the chopped nuts, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of cinnamon.
  3. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter.
  4. Carefully unroll the phyllo pastry and place it on a cutting board. Cover it with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out. If the pastry does dry out, it will be difficult to work with and may break.
  5. Take one sheet of phyllo pastry and brush it with melted butter. Place it in the baking dish.
  6. Repeat with 7-10 more sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each sheet with butter and layering them in the baking dish.
  7. Sprinkle a layer of the nut mixture on top of the phyllo pastry.
  8. Add another layer of phyllo pastry on top of the nuts and brush it with butter. Repeat this process until all the nut mixture is used up.
  9. Add a final layer of phyllo pastry on top and brush it with butter.
  10. Use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into diamond or square shaped pieces.
  11. Bake the baklava for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
  12. While the baklava is baking, make the syrup by combining the water, 1 cup of sugar, honey, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
  13. Remove the cinnamon stick from the syrup and pour it over the hot baklava.
  14. Allow the baklava to cool to room temperature before serving. Enjoy!

 

If you don’t feel like making your own, stop in at Basha’s Shawarma to try some of ours. Visit our menu to view other delicious meals, appetizers, and desserts to add to your meal. When you are ready, contact us to place your order!

 

Did you Know?

When Turkey invaded Hungary in the 16th century, they brought Turkish baklava with them, and Hungary made it a part of their culture by revising it into the strudel.

 

Note: This recipe is not Basha’s Shawarma’s official recipe for Baklava. There are variations of Baklava using different types of nuts, spices, or fillings depending on where you go or who makes it.