Paklava is a traditional dessert that is popular in many Middle Eastern and Mediterranean countries. It is a sweet and flaky pastry that is often filled with nuts and honey. This dessert is perfect for special occasions, holidays, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy with a cup of tea.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of phyllo dough - 2 cups of chopped nuts (walnuts or pistachios) - 1 cup of sugar - 1 cup of water - 1 cup of honey - 1 stick of butter - 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon of ground cardamom - 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract - 1 lemon, juiced
For the Syrup:
- 1 cup of sugar - 1 cup of water - 1 cup of honey - 1 cinnamon stick - 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, mix together the chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla extract.
Step 2: Prepare the Phyllo Dough
Melt the butter in a small saucepan and brush a 9x13 inch baking dish with some of the melted butter. Take the phyllo dough out of the package and unroll it onto a clean work surface. Cover the dough with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
Step 3: Layer the Phyllo Dough
Take one sheet of phyllo dough and place it into the prepared baking dish. Brush the sheet with melted butter and repeat with 7 more sheets. Sprinkle half of the nut mixture over the phyllo dough.
Step 4: Repeat Layering
Add 8 more sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining nut mixture over the phyllo dough. Add the final 8 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
Step 5: Cut and Bake
Using a sharp knife, cut the paklava into diamond shapes. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 6: Prepare the Syrup
While the paklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, honey, cinnamon stick, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
Step 7: Pour the Syrup
Once the paklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over the hot paklava. Let the paklava cool to room temperature before serving.
Paklava is a delicious and sweet dessert that is perfect for any occasion. With its flaky layers of phyllo dough and crunchy nuts, it is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Follow this recipe and enjoy this traditional dessert with your family and friends.
