How to Make Turkish Baklava with Pistachios and Walnuts
Baklava is a renowned pastry in Turkish cuisine, celebrated for its sweet, flaky layers of dough, luscious syrup, and a nutty filling. This article will guide you through the process of making delicious Turkish Baklava with an exquisite mixture of pistachios and walnuts.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 package of phyllo dough (16 oz)
- 2 cups of finely chopped pistachios
- 2 cups of finely chopped walnuts
- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- Honey (optional, for drizzling)
Preparation Steps
1. Prepare the Nut Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped pistachios and walnuts. Add the ground cinnamon to the mixture and stir well to ensure the spices evenly coat the nuts. This blend will give your baklava a rich flavor.
2. Layering the Phyllo Dough
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take the phyllo dough out of the package and gently unroll it. Cover the dough with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. Brush a 9x13 inch baking dish with melted butter. Start layering the phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with melted butter. Use about 8 sheets of phyllo for the base, ensuring each sheet is well-buttered.
3. Adding the Nut Filling
Evenly spread a generous layer of your nut mixture over the layered phyllo. Add more layers of phyllo (about 4-5 more sheets), brushing each layer with melted butter. Repeat the process by adding another layer of nut mixture, followed by more phyllo sheets until you run out of ingredients. Finish with 8-10 layers of phyllo on top, buttering each layer.
4. Cutting the Baklava
Before baking, using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes. This allows the syrup to penetrate all the layers later on. Make sure to cut through the top layers without cutting all the way to the bottom. This will ensure easier serving after baking.
5. Baking the Baklava
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crisp. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
6. Prepare the Syrup
While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup by combining sugar, water, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened. If desired, add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness. Once done, remove from heat and let cool.
7. Finishing Touches
As soon as you take the baklava out of the oven, pour the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Let it soak for at least a few hours, preferably overnight, for the best flavor and texture. The syrup will seep into the layers, enhancing the sweetness of this delightful dessert.
Serving Your Baklava
Your Turkish Baklava with Pistachios and Walnuts is now ready to be served! Cut along the score lines to separate the pieces and enjoy warm or at room temperature. This rich and decadent dessert pairs wonderfully with a cup of strong Turkish coffee.
Enjoy sharing this delightful treat with family and friends, and savor the authentic flavors of Turkish cuisine right at home!