Baklava with a lot of nuts

Baklava with lots of walnuts: a traditional delight

Baklava is an iconic pastry, known for its delicate layers of dough filled with aromatic nuts and soaked in a sweet syrup. This simple recipe for baklava with plenty of walnuts is perfect for dessert lovers and is easy to prepare at home. Whether you want to impress your guests or treat your family, this baklava will bring joy and flavor in every bite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12-16 servings

Ingredients:
- 1 package of phyllo dough (14 sheets)
- 150 g oil (preferably sunflower or olive oil)
- 400 g ground walnuts
- 30 g sugar
- 400 ml water
- rum or vanilla essence (to taste)

Ingredient details:
- Phyllo dough: This is the base of the baklava. Make sure it is well preserved and not dry. Frozen phyllo sheets are a good option but must be completely thawed before use.
- Walnuts: Ground walnuts provide the specific texture and flavor. You can use pecans or almonds to vary the taste, but walnuts are traditional.
- Oil: Essential for greasing the sheets, giving them a crispy and golden texture. Olive oil will add a distinct flavor, while sunflower oil is more neutral.
- Syrup: Combining water with sugar and essence will create a syrup that will soak the baklava, providing the necessary sweetness.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preparing the pan: Start by greasing a pan with oil, ensuring all corners are covered. This step is important to prevent the baklava from sticking.

2. Layering the sheets: Unwrap the package of phyllo dough and place the first sheet in the pan. Using a pastry brush, lightly grease the sheet with oil. Repeat this process for the first 7 sheets, layering them slightly on top of each other with a thin layer of oil in between.

3. Adding the walnuts: Once you have placed the 7 sheets, evenly sprinkle the ground walnuts over the entire surface. If you want an extra flavor, add 30 g of sugar over the walnuts.

4. Continuing with the sheets: Place the remaining phyllo sheets, all greased with oil, one on top of the other until you have used all 14 sheets. Make sure each sheet is well greased to achieve a crispy and golden texture.

5. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Bake the baklava for about 30 minutes, or until it becomes nicely browned and crispy.

6. Preparing the syrup: While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine water, sugar, and essence. Bring to a boil over medium heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Let the syrup cool.

7. Soaking the baklava: When the baklava is ready, remove it from the oven and pour the cold syrup over it. The syrup will seep into the layers of dough and walnuts, giving it a delightful sweetness.

8. Resting: Cover the baklava with a clean towel and let it sit overnight. This step is essential as it allows the syrup to absorb completely.

Serving and variations:
Serve the baklava with lots of walnuts the next day, cut into squares or diamonds, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. You can also drizzle a bit of honey on top for extra sweetness. Additionally, an interesting variation would be to sprinkle some cinnamon on the walnuts to add a warm and comforting flavor.

Nutritional benefits:
Baklava with walnuts is rich in healthy fats from the nuts, which are excellent sources of antioxidants, protein, and fiber. Although it is a sweet pastry, when consumed in moderation, it can be part of a balanced diet.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can experiment with pecans, almonds, or even pistachios for different flavors.

2. How can I store the baklava?
Baklava stores well in an airtight container at room temperature, but it can be refrigerated for a longer duration.

3. Is it possible to make the baklava less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can decrease the amount of sugar in the syrup or add more walnuts.

Baklava with lots of walnuts is not just a dessert but also a sweet story passed down through generations. Each bite is an explosion of flavors and textures, and the preparation process is a true pleasure. Don’t hesitate to try it and enjoy delicious moments with your loved ones!

 Ingredients: 1 package of pastry sheets (14 sheets) 150 g oil 400 g ground nuts 30 g sugar 400 ml water rum or vanilla essence (whichever you prefer)

 Tags:  nut cake simple cookies baklava recipe philips multicooker recipes