Bilquis’ Baklava
Bilquis’ Baklava is a delightful Middle Eastern pastry made with layers of flaky phyllo dough, a sweet and nutty filling, and a fragrant honey syrup. This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. The result is a golden, sweet, and nutty dessert that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 package 16 oz of phyllo dough, thawed
- 2 cups mixed nuts walnuts, pistachios, and almonds, finely chopped
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
For the syrup:
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the Nut Filling:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped nuts, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 cup of granulated sugar. Set this nut mixture aside.
Layer the Phyllo Dough:
- Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the greased baking dish and brush it generously with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet, until you have used half of the phyllo sheets.
Add the Nut Filling:
- Sprinkle a generous layer of the nut mixture (about 1/2 cup) evenly over the buttered phyllo layers.
Continue Layering:
- Layer and butter the remaining phyllo sheets on top of the nut filling, using the same process as before.
Cut into Diamonds:
- Carefully cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes using a sharp knife.
Bake:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45 minutes, or until the baklava turns golden brown and crisp.
Make the Syrup:
- While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine 1 cup of water, 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 cup of honey, a cinnamon stick, and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove the cinnamon stick and set the syrup aside to cool slightly.
Pour the Syrup:
- Once the baklava is done baking and still hot, pour the warm syrup evenly over the cut pieces. Make sure the syrup soaks into every part of the baklava.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving. This allows the syrup to be absorbed and the layers to become even more flavorful and flaky.
Enjoy:
- Your Bilquis’ Baklava is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve the pieces on a platter and savor the sweet, nutty goodness.
Notes
Bilquis’ Baklava is a delightful dessert that’s perfect for special occasions or as a sweet treat anytime.