As we celebrate Eid, what better way to spread joy and indulge in the rich flavours of this beloved treat than by crafting it in the comfort of your own kitchen? With its layers of flaky pastry, crunchy nuts, and fragrant syrup, Baklava embodies the essence of festivity and togetherness.
Baklava has a rich history spanning various cultures, including Turkish, Greek, and Middle Eastern. It is a delicious dessert renowned for its irresistible flavour, consisting of delicate layers of phyllo dough generously filled with finely chopped nuts and bathed in a luscious syrup or honey. This sweet and flaky pastry is known for its exquisite taste and delightful texture. This recipe is by Manjay Kumar Shahi, Executive Chef, U Kitchen by Ferns N Petals. Take a look at this easy recipe for making baklava at home:
1. First, prepare the syrup. Begin by heating a pan over medium heat, then pour in 1.5 litres of water. Into the pan, add sugar and lemon wedges, allowing the mixture to simmer until the syrup reduces by half.
2. Now it's time to prepare the phyllo sheet dough. In a mixing bowl, slowly mix flour and baking powder into the mixture, kneading until a smooth dough. Once done, divide the dough into three equal portions and shape each portion into balls.
3. Now comes the shaping of the phyllo sheets. Flatten each ball into a disk about 20 cm in diameter, using wheat starch to prevent sticking. Apply a generous amount of starch between each layer to ensure they don't stick together, and continue rolling out the remaining pieces in the same manner. Then allow the sheets to rest.
4. Now carefully place the Baklava sheets into the pan. Trim any surplus dough and utilise it to fill the gaps between the layers. Arrange the phyllo dough sheets in the pan. Spread half of the finely chopped walnuts evenly over the sheets. Repeat this step with the remaining walnuts to create the second layer.
5. For the top layer, carefully separate a few thin sheets of phyllo dough and arrange them with space in between to promote air circulation. Melt the butter, ensuring it's free of any foam, and evenly pour it over the baklava after it has been cut into portions.
6. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into your preferred shapes. Drizzle hot melted butter over the cut pieces. Now bake in a preheated oven at 170°C for 30 minutes, then lower the temperature to 160°C and continue baking for an additional 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until both the top and bottom turn golden brown.
7. In a medium-sized saucepan, combine sugar and water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to simmer until it thickens, usually taking around 10-15 minutes. Then, add honey and lemon juice to it and stir well.
8. Drizzle warm syrup over the freshly baked baklava within 5 minutes of removing it from the oven. Let the baklava soak in the syrup for a minimum of 1 hour before serving.
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Here's how to make Baklava dessert at home for Eid
Boil 1.5 litres of water with sugar and lemon until reduced by half.
Mix wet ingredients, gradually add 500 gm flour and baking powder, knead into smooth dough, and divide into balls.
Roll each ball into 20 cm diameter sheets with wheat starch, layering generously with starch, and allow to rest.
Place sheets in the pan, layer with chopped walnuts, repeat, top with buttered sheets, and trim excess dough.
Cut into desired shapes, pour melted butter, and bake at 170°C for 30 mins, then 160°C for 1 hr 15 mins until golden.
Boil sugar and water, thicken for 10-15 mins, add honey and lemon juice.
Pour warm syrup over baked baklava, and let soak for at least 1 hour before serving.
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