baklava recipe from Middle Eastern origin

Baklava is a sweet pastry of Middle Eastern origin that is made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup. its exact origins are unclear. The first recorded recipe for baklava was found in a cookbook from the early 13th century called “Kitab al-Tabikh” (The Book of Cooking), which was written by a famous Arab chef named Muhammad bin Hasan al-Baghdadi.

From the Middle East, baklava spread to other parts of the world, including the Ottoman Empire, which encompassed much of southeastern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. Baklava became a popular dessert in the Ottoman Empire and was often served during special occasions such as weddings and religious holidays.

During the Ottoman Empire’s reign, baklava was also introduced to the Balkans and Greece. Each region put their own twist on the recipe, incorporating local ingredients and techniques. In Greece, for example, they use honey instead of syrup to sweeten the baklava, and they also add cinnamon to the nut filling.

Today, baklava remains a popular dessert in many parts of the world, and there are many variations of the recipe. It is often served during special occasions and celebrations, and it has become a symbol of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

Here is a recipe for baklava that you can try at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound phyllo dough
• 1 pound chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or a mixture of both)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Mix the chopped nuts, cinnamon, and cloves in a bowl.
3. Brush the bottom and sides of a 9×13 inch baking pan with melted butter.
4. Lay a sheet of phyllo dough in the bottom of the pan and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process with 7 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
5. Spread half of the nut mixture over the phyllo dough.
6. Lay another sheet of phyllo dough on top of the nut mixture and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process with 7 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
7. Spread the remaining nut mixture over the phyllo dough.
8. Lay another sheet of phyllo dough on top of the nut mixture and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process with 7 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
9. Use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into diamond-shaped pieces.
10. Bake the baklava for 50 minutes or until golden brown.
11. While the baklava is baking, make the syrup. Combine the water, sugar, honey, and vanilla extract in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
12. Remove the baklava from the oven and pour the syrup over it while it is still hot.
13. Let the baklava cool completely before serving.

baklava recipe from Middle Eastern origin - greaTRecipeS

Baklava is a sweet pastry of Middle Eastern origin that is made of layers of phyllo dough filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey or syrup.

Recipe Ingredients:

Editor's Rating:
5