Recipe Baklava

Baklava is a traditional dessert cherished across many cultures for its rich flavor and delightful texture. With layers of flaky pastry, crunchy nuts, and sweet syrup, it’s a treat that can elevate any gathering or special occasion. While making baklava might seem daunting, following the right steps makes it an achievable and rewarding experience. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

• 560 g all-purpose flour
• 300 g unsalted butter (cold, cut into small pieces)
• 3 egg yolks
• 300 g sour cream
• 5 g baking soda
• 300 g sugar
• 350 g walnuts (finely chopped, reserve 15-20 halves for decoration)
• 5 g ground cardamom
• 2 egg whites
• 1 egg yolk (for brushing)
• Melted honey (for glazing)

Method

1. Prepare the dough: In a mixing bowl or food processor, combine the flour and egg yolks. Add the cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Incorporate sour cream: Set aside a few tablespoons of sour cream and mix the baking soda into it. Then add the remaining sour cream to the dough mixture. Knead until a smooth dough forms. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours.
3. Make the filling: While the dough is chilling, finely chop the sugar, walnuts, and ground cardamom. The finer the walnuts, the more delicate the filling will be. Add the egg whites to this mixture and stir well.
4. Roll out the dough: Divide the chilled dough into three parts (two larger, one smaller). Roll out each part between sheets of parchment paper until they fit your baking dish (approximately 26×30 cm), aiming for a thickness of about 3 mm.
5. Layer the baklava: Place the first layer of dough in the ungreased baking dish. Evenly spread half of the nut mixture over the dough. Place another layer of slightly thinner dough, followed by the remaining nut mixture, and top with the final thicker layer of dough.
6. Prepare for baking: Brush the top layer with egg yolk using a silicone brush. Score the surface into diamond shapes and press a walnut half into the center of each diamond.
7. Bake the baklava: Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) for about 12-16 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden.
8. Glaze with honey: Once the baklava has browned, brush the top with melted honey and return it to the oven for an additional 5-8 minutes, ensuring it turns a deeper golden color.
9. Cool and serve: Allow the baklava to cool in the dish before slicing and serving. Enjoy the layers of sweetness and crunch in this exquisite dessert!

This baklava recipe is sure to impress your family and friends, making it a favorite at any event!