Baklava with cashew nuts

Cashew Nut Baklava

I invite you to discover the delicious recipe for cashew nut baklava, a dessert that combines the crunchiness of phyllo pastry with the sweetness of honey syrup and the intense aroma of nuts. This recipe is perfect for special moments, but also for days when you want to indulge in something sweet. Get ready to delight your taste buds and impress all your loved ones!

Total preparation time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Baking time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: 24

Ingredients:

For the syrup:
- 2 cups of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 cup of honey
- 3 whole cloves
- 1 lemon (half sliced)
- 1 teaspoon of cardamom

For the baklava:
- 1 cup of cashew nuts (finely ground)
- 1 cup of nuts (finely ground)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 teaspoon of cardamom
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 16 sheets of phyllo pastry
- 10 tablespoons of butter or margarine (melted, equivalent to 1 cup + 2 tablespoons)

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the syrup
We start by making the syrup, which will add a delicious taste and moisture to the baklava. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, honey, cloves, and lemon slice. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes. After the syrup has boiled, remove the saucepan from heat, take out the lemon slices and cloves, and let the syrup cool to room temperature. This syrup will add a natural sweetness and pleasant aroma to your baklava.

Step 2: Preparing the baklava
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. In a large bowl, finely grind the cashew nuts and nuts, then add the sugar, cardamom, and cinnamon. This mixture will add a crunchy texture and aromatic flavor to the baklava.

Start assembling the baklava. Take 4 sheets of phyllo pastry, brush them well with melted butter or margarine, and layer them on top of each other. It is important to keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out. After layering the 4 sheets, cut them in half to fit your baking dish (a 23x33 cm dish is ideal). Place the halves of the sheet in the greased dish, sprinkling 1/3 of the nut mixture on top.

Repeat this process two more times, using 4 sheets of phyllo pastry and 1/3 of the nut mixture each time. Finally, place the last 4 sheets of phyllo pastry on top. Use a knife to lightly score the surface of the baklava into squares; this will make it easier to cut after baking.

Step 3: Baking the baklava
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake the baklava for 35-40 minutes, or until it becomes golden-brown and crispy. The aroma that will fill your kitchen while baking is absolutely irresistible!

Step 4: Finishing
After the baklava is baked, pour the cooled syrup over it, ensuring that you cover the entire surface evenly. Let the baklava absorb the syrup and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for 4-6 hours (or even overnight) before cutting. This will allow it to set and become perfect for serving.

Serving and variations:
Cashew nut baklava pairs wonderfully with a scoop of Greek yogurt or vanilla ice cream, and a cup of tea or coffee will perfectly complement this dessert. You can also add other nuts to your mixture, such as almonds or pecans, for a personalized version.

Nutritional benefits:
Cashew nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, proteins, and essential minerals. Additionally, honey syrup has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making this dessert not only delicious but also beneficial for your health.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of nuts for baklava?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or hazelnuts.

2. Can I make baklava without butter?
You can use coconut oil or other vegetable fats to grease the phyllo sheets, but the taste will be different.

3. How long does baklava last?
Baklava keeps well in the refrigerator for about a week, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

I hope this recipe brings you joy and delicious moments with your loved ones! Dare to experiment and customize it to your taste. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: Ingredients Syrup 2 cups sugar 1 cup water 1 cup honey 3 whole cloves lemon 1 teaspoon cardamom Baklava 1 cup cashew nuts 1 cup walnuts 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon cardamom 1 teaspoon cinnamon 16 sheets of phyllo pastry 10 tablespoons butter or margarine Rama, melted (= 1 cup + 2 tablespoons)