Ingredients

450 g phyllo pastry
200 g pistachios
200 g almonds
2 tablespoons caster sugar
1 tablespoon rose water
1 tablespoon orange blossom water
250 g butter
butter , for greasing
300 ml water
450 g granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon rose water
1 tablespoon orange blossom water
Baklava is a traditional pastry from the Mediterranean region, consisting of layers of buttered phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with a fragrant syrup. It is a popular dessert enjoyed in countries like Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon, where it is often served at special occasions like weddings and religious celebrations. Baklava is a labor of love, requiring patience and skill to create its signature crispy and flaky texture. Its rich and nutty flavor is balanced by the sweetness of the syrup and the scent of rose and orange blossom water. This recipe is the easiest and tastiest way to enjoy this popular dessert at home.

Instructions

1.Preheat the oven to 180°C.
2.Roughly chop the pistachios and almonds, and mix them with the caster sugar, rose water, and orange blossom water.
3.Melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat.
4.Grease a 25cm x 35cm baking dish with butter.
5.Unwrap the phyllo pastry and place a sheet of it into the bottom of the baking dish. Brush it with melted butter.
6.Repeat the process, placing and brushing butter on every 3-4 sheets of phyllo until you have used half the sheets.
7.Add the nut mixture spreading evenly over the sheets.
8.Repeat the process of adding and brushing sheets until you finish the box of phyllo.
9.Score the top layers with a sharp knife and bake for 40 minutes or until golden.
10.In a saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, lemon juice, rose water, and orange blossom water.
11.Over low heat, cook, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the syrup thickens for 5-10 minutes.
12.Let the syrup cool completely before pouring it over the cooled Baklava.
13.Cut Baklava with a sharp knife following the scored lines providing a diamond pattern on top.

PROS

Baklava is a sweet and nutty dessert with a crispy and flaky texture that melts in your mouth.

It is easy and convenient to make, as it only requires a few ingredients that are readily available.

The rose water and orange blossom water add a unique scent and flavor to the pastry.

CONS

Baklava contains a high amount of sugar, fat, and calories, making it best to consume as an occasional indulgence.

The phyllo pastry can be challenging to work with and requires patience and attention to detail to avoid breaking it.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Despite being high in sugar and calories, Baklava contains a significant amount of vitamins and minerals thanks to the nuts used in the recipe.
Pistachios and almonds are an excellent source of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins, making Baklava a satisfying and nutritious dessert that can help promote good cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation.
The orange blossom and rose water in the recipe are rich in antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals and support good digestion and skin health.

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