Traditional Homemade Baklava

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Cut the sheets to fit your tray. Keep the remaining dough covered to prevent drying.
5. Layer each sheet in a greased tray, spreading chopped walnuts between layers. Continue until all sheets are used.
6. 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.
7. Remove the baklava from the oven and pour the warm syrup over it after 4 minutes.
8. 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!