Walnut Baklava from the Oven… One of the most famous Eastern desserts with crispy layers, characterized by thin phyllo dough layers filled with walnuts flavored with cinnamon and spices, and soaked in syrup to give it a rich taste and a crispy, delicious texture.
Ingredients
– Syrup Ingredients:
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Sugar:
2 cups
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Water:
1.5 cups
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Honey:
1/3 cup
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Lemon Juice:
2 tablespoons (fresh)
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Orange Zest:
1 strip
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Cinnamon:
1 stick
– Filling Ingredients:
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Walnuts:
1.5 cups (finely chopped)
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Cinnamon:
1 tablespoon (ground)
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Sugar:
2 tablespoons
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Cocoa Powder:
2 tablespoons (unsweetened)
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Cloves:
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
– Baklava Ingredients:
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Phyllo Dough:
1 package (1 lb)
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Butter:
1 cup + 2 tablespoons (melted)
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Olive Oil:
3 tablespoons
Instructions
- Prepare the syrup by combining the sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, orange zest, and cinnamon stick in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 6 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- To prepare the filling: Mix the chopped walnuts with the cinnamon, sugar, cocoa powder, and ground cloves until well combined.
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Prepare a baking pan by greasing it with a little of the butter and oil mixture.
- Lay sheets of phyllo dough in the pan, brushing each layer with melted butter. Then, add a portion of the walnut filling.
- Repeat layering the phyllo and filling until all the filling is used. Finish by covering the top with the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with butter.
- Cut the baklava into squares or triangles before baking. Then, pour the remaining butter mixture over the top.
- Bake the baklava for approximately 1 hour, or until it’s golden brown and crispy.
- As soon as the baklava comes out of the oven, pour the cooled syrup over it. Let it sit until completely cool before serving.
- Serve the baklava garnished with walnuts or a drizzle of honey, as desired.
- Baklava can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or at room temperature, covered well.
- Walnuts: 1.5 cups (finely chopped)
- Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon (ground)
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons
- Cocoa Powder: 2 tablespoons (unsweetened)
- Cloves: 1/4 teaspoon (ground)
