Greek Baklava

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Servings: 12 servings Difficulty: Advanced
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Flaky, buttery layers of filo pastry filled with spiced nuts and soaked in a fragrant honey syrup.
Greek Baklava recipe image
Greek Baklava recipe image
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Greek Baklava

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 12 servings Calories: 813.8

Description

This authentic Greek Baklava is a timeless dessert featuring dozens of paper-thin layers of crisp filo dough, separated by rich melted butter and generously filled with a mixture of finely chopped nuts and warm cinnamon. The pastry is baked until golden brown and then drenched in a sweet, aromatic syrup infused with honey, lemon, and orange rind. The result is a stunning contrast between the shattering crunch of the pastry and the tender, juicy nut filling. It is the perfect centerpiece for holiday gatherings, festive celebrations, or as an elegant ending to a traditional Greek meal.

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).
  2. In a bowl, combine the chopped nuts, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with a small amount of melted butter.
  4. Unroll the filo dough and cover with a damp towel to prevent drying.
  5. Place 7-8 sheets of filo in the pan, brushing each sheet lightly with melted butter.
  6. Sprinkle one-third of the nut mixture evenly over the filo sheets.
  7. Add another 7-8 sheets of filo, brushing each with butter, and sprinkle another third of the nut mixture.
  8. Repeat the layering process until all nut mixture is used, finishing with a final layer of 7-8 buttered filo sheets.
  9. Brush the top sheet generously with melted butter.
  10. Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes before baking.
  11. Bake at 325°F (163°C) for 45 minutes.
  12. Reduce heat to 300°F (149°C) and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
  13. While baking, prepare the syrup: In a saucepan, combine the sugar for syrup, water, lemon slice, orange rind, and cinnamon stick.
  14. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes to form a light syrup.
  15. Remove from heat, discard the lemon, orange, and cinnamon stick, and stir in the honey.
  16. Pour the hot syrup immediately over the hot baklava.
  17. Allow the baklava to cool completely at room temperature so it absorbs the syrup before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 813.8kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 91.9g142%
Saturated Fat 57.9g290%
Cholesterol 244.0mg82%
Sodium 729.8mg31%
Total Carbohydrate 0.1g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.1g
Protein 1.0g2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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