FoodSavoring Istanbul: Mastering the Art of Baklava at Home

Savoring Istanbul: Mastering the Art of Baklava at Home

Aromatic black coffee accompanied by divine, nutty baklava in the tranquil garden of a secluded cafe... that was the highlight dessert of my vacation in Istanbul. Longing for that experience once more, I decided to recreate it at home. Surprisingly, it's not as difficult as one might think, especially if you have a stash of Italian walnuts waiting to be used.
Walnuts are perfect for baklava.
Walnuts are perfect for baklava.
Images source: © Pixabay | Baklava7_de

Experiencing baklava is almost a given when visiting Turkey. In Istanbul, particularly, you'll stumble upon countless places offering this delectable dessert, many of which have been perfecting their craft for generations. The Gulluoglu family, for instance, has been making and selling baklava since 1820, attracting long lines of eager customers. However, I soon discovered that excellent baklava can be found virtually everywhere in Turkey, especially in establishments where it's freshly baked. The Turks, masters of this dessert, take immense pride in their baklava, which perfectly complements the country's sunny climate with its sweet, nutty flavor, without the need for refrigeration.

Understanding Baklava

At its core, baklava is surprisingly uncomplicated. It consists of thin filo dough layers filled with a nut mixture. Once baked, it's soaked in a sweet syrup made from honey or sugar, water, and a bit of lemon juice, which enhances the filo's crunchiness. Typically, it's garnished with chopped nuts, like pistachios, making it an intensely sweet and nutty indulgence. Even a small serving paired with black coffee can be deeply satisfying.

Preparing Baklava at Home

The process is simplified by the availability of ready-made filo dough, which is found near puff pastry in stores. Working with filo dough demands patience and dexterity, especially when rolling it out thin like paper. Hence, the preference for pre-made filo. What goes into it? Mainly flour, water, oil, and sometimes vinegar and egg yolks. Having filo dough, nuts, and honey at your disposal means you're ready to make your baklava, provided you have a reliable blender or food processor.

Homemade Baklava Recipe

Ingredients:
  • 14 oz filo dough.
For the filling:
  • 16 oz shelled walnuts,
  • 10.5 oz melted clarified butter,
  • 3/4 cup honey,
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon,
  • 1/3 teaspoon ground cloves,
  • a pinch of nutmeg,
  • a pinch of cardamom,
  • a pinch of salt.
For the syrup:
  • 1 cup honey,
  • 1/2 cup water,
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice.
Decoration:
  • chopped unsalted pistachios or walnuts.
How to make it:
  1. Allow the filo dough to come to room temperature before use.
  2. Process 10.5 oz of the walnuts in a food processor or blender until ground; chop the remainder finely. Combine the nuts, honey, spices, and salt. Mix well and divide into three portions.
  3. Prepare a baking tray by trimming the filo dough to match its size. Grease the tray lightly with clarified butter. Layer six sheets of filo, brushing each with clarified butter before adding the next. Spread one portion of the filling evenly, then cover with another six sheets of filo, each brushed with butter.
  4. Add the second portion of filling and repeat the layering again, finishing with a layer of filo brushed with butter on top.
  5. Score the baklava into smaller pieces, squares, or triangles before baking.
  6. Preheat the oven to 356 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the baklava for about 35 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. While the baklava bakes, prepare the syrup by boiling the water and honey until thick. Stir in the lemon juice, then cool. Once the baklava is ready, pour the syrup over it and garnish with chopped nuts.

This meticulous preparation brings a piece of Istanbul into your home, inviting you to savor the rich flavors and textures that make baklava a cherished dessert.

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