Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Baklava

Baklava is a Greek sweet pastry.  Its a very easy and simple dessert, if made from Phyllo Pastry. Phyllo is available in almost all grocery stores in the frozen section.  Enough talking, Let me quickly take you through its making :)
Baklava

Prep. Time : 20 mins
Baking Time : 20-25 mins
Resting Time : 8 hours

Ingredients
Phyllo Pastry
1 cup Coarsely chopped mixed nuts
(Walnuts, Almonds, figs, coconut flakes)
1 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 cup Sugar + 1/4th cup Sugar
1/4th cup Honey (Optional)
1 tsp Lemon Juice
1/2 tsp Cardamom Powder
Butter for brushing

Thaw the Phyllo Pastry according to Package Instructions.  Mix nuts, cinnamon and 1/4th cup Sugar in a bowl and set aside.  (Note: Traditionally Baklava are made from Walnuts, but adding Almonds, figs and coconut flakes enhances its taste and texture. Ratio for the mixture is 4:3:1:0.5).

Preheat oven to 350F.

Melt Butter. Now, on a greased baking tray, start layering the Phyllo. Create a layer of 6 sheets, brushing each sheet with butter before placing the next sheet over it.
Spread half of the nut mixture evenly over the Phyllo.
Layer 2 Phyllo sheets over the mixture. Brush Butter in between the two sheets.
Spread the other half of the mixture evenly.
Create another layer of 6 sheets on the top of the mixture, brushing butter in between the sheets.
Make diagonal slices to make a diamond pattern. Feel free to make pattern of your choice.
Place the baking tray in the preheated oven and Bake until the top is golden brown.  It takes around 40-45 minutes.
While the baklavas are baking, prepare its syrup. Add half cup each of water and sugar in a bowl. Allow the mixture to boil. Add 1 tsp of Lemon juice. Lemon juice will prevent the sugar from crystallizing. You may add Cardamom powder for extra flavor. Once the sugar is dissolved, add honey and stir well.  Stir occasionally until the syrup has started thickening. Switch of the flame and allow the  syrup to cool.
Once the baklava are done, remove them from the oven. Pour the syrup in the cuts. Set them aside for setting. Allow them to set for around 8 hours, though there is no harm in tasting before they are set ;)

Enjoy this mouthwatering Mediterranean dessert in your sweet home!!