This traditional homemade Baklava recipe offers a delightful blend of crispy layers filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with a zesty lemon syrup. Baklava, a beloved dessert in many cultures, is known for its flaky pastry, rich filling, and a balance of sweetness with a hint of lemon. This recipe guides you through creating these delectable layers from scratch, promising a truly authentic experience.
Why You'll Love This:
- The crispy layers of pastry combined with the rich nut filling offer a delightful texture.
- The lemon-infused syrup adds a refreshing zest that cuts through the sweetness.
- Making Baklava at home allows you to enjoy a fresh, preservative-free dessert.
- It's a rewarding baking project that's perfect for special occasions or as a luxurious treat.
Ingredients: For the Dough:
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml yogurt
- 100 ml oil
- 100 ml milk
- 1 tbsp vinegar
- 1 packet baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 4-5 cups flour
For the Syrup:
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 4 cups water
- A slice of lemon
For Layering:
- Cornstarch or wheat starch
- 250 g butter, melted
- 1 cup oil
- 1.5 cups chopped walnuts
Instructions:
- Prepare the syrup by combining sugar, cold water, and lemon slice in a saucepan. Stir until sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil. After boiling, simmer for 25 minutes. Cool down.
- For the dough, mix eggs, yogurt, oil, milk, vinegar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Gradually add flour to form a soft, non-sticky dough. Divide into 4 equal parts, then each part into 10 small balls (total 40 balls). Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 40 minutes.
- Roll out each ball with plenty of starch to the size of a dessert plate. Stack 5 sheets together and roll out to the size of your baking tray.
- Cut the sheets to fit your tray. Keep the remaining dough covered to prevent drying.
- Layer each sheet in a greased tray, spreading chopped walnuts between layers. Continue until all sheets are used.
- Pour melted butter over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 170°C for more than an hour until golden brown. Ensure the middle and bottom layers are well-baked.
- Remove the baklava from the oven and pour the warm syrup over it after 4 minutes.
- Allow the baklava to absorb the syrup before serving.
Pro Tips:
- Roll the layers as thin as possible for the best texture.
- Let the baklava cool before cutting it into pieces for cleaner slices.
Enjoy your homemade Traditional Baklava, a delightful dessert that brings a taste of tradition and sweetness to your table!