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Baklava is a rich, sweet pastry made of layers of phyllo dough filled with nuts and sweetened with syrup. In Bulgaria, it holds a special place during celebrations and holidays, symbolizing hospitality and indulgence. Often enjoyed with coffee or tea, it’s a beloved dessert that showcases the country's culinary heritage.
In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon stick, and cloves.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and let the syrup cool to room temperature.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Brush a 9x13-inch baking dish with melted butter.
Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet, until you have about 8-10 layers.
Mix the chopped nuts with ground cinnamon and sprinkle an even layer over the phyllo.
Continue layering the phyllo dough, buttering each sheet, until you have used all the phyllo. End with a final layer of 8-10 sheets.
Cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes with a sharp knife.
Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp.
Immediately after removing the baklava from the oven, pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava.
Allow the baklava to cool completely and absorb the syrup before serving.
Enjoy your meal!
Baklava is a layered pastry dessert made from phyllo dough, filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with syrup or honey.
Baklava is believed to have origins in the Middle East, but it has been embraced and adapted in Bulgarian cuisine, becoming a staple dessert.
The key ingredients include phyllo dough, unsalted butter, finely chopped walnuts or pistachios, and sugar.
Baklava takes approximately 105-140 minutes to prepare and cook.
Baklava pairs wonderfully with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.