Baklava

Posted in Sweet tooth

Here’s a simplified recipe for baklava tailored for four servings:

Baklava for Four

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or a mix)
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 4 sheets phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
  • 4 tablespoons melted butter or clarified butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup water
  • Optional: a few drops of rose or orange blossom water

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small baking dish (approximately 6×6 inches) with butter.
  2. In a bowl, mix together the chopped nuts, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon.
  3. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish, brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering three more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with butter.
  4. Sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the layered phyllo sheets.
  5. Layer the remaining sheet of phyllo dough over the nut mixture, brushing it with butter.
  6. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into squares or diamond shapes.
  7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the baklava turns golden brown and crisp.
  8. While the baklava is baking, combine the honey and water in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. Add a few drops of rose or orange blossom water if desired.
  9. Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the hot honey syrup evenly over the hot baklava, allowing it to soak in.
  10. Let the baklava cool completely in the dish before serving.

Serving:

  • Once cooled, carefully lift the pieces of baklava out of the dish and arrange them on a serving platter.

This smaller batch baklava is a sweet and nutty treat perfect for a small gathering or as a delightful dessert.