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Photo by Kourosh Mirzaei on Unsplash
Middle Easterndessertvegetarian
Walnut Baklava
Walnut Baklava is a beloved sweet pastry with deep roots in Ottoman cuisine, widely enjoyed across Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, and the broader Middle East. Layers of crisp phyllo dough are filled with spiced crushed walnuts and drenched in fragrant rose water and honey syrup, creating an irresistibly rich and flaky dessert.
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Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly brush an 8x8 inch baking pan with melted butter.
- 2
In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped walnuts, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cardamom. Stir well to mix evenly and set aside.
- 3
Lay the phyllo dough sheets on a clean, flat surface and cover them with a damp kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out.
- 4
Place one sheet of phyllo dough into the prepared baking pan and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this process with 5 more sheets, brushing each one with butter before adding the next.
- 5
Spread the walnut mixture evenly over the top of the layered phyllo sheets in the pan.
- 6
Layer the remaining 6 sheets of phyllo dough on top of the walnut filling, brushing each sheet with melted butter as before. Brush the very top layer with a final coating of melted butter.
- 7
Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes, cutting all the way through to the bottom of the pan. This allows the syrup to soak in evenly after baking.
- 8
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the baklava is deep golden brown and crisp on top.
- 9
While the baklava bakes, prepare the syrup by combining 3/4 cup granulated sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a gentle boil and simmer for 8 minutes without stirring.
