Embark on a flavorful adventure with a classic Azerbaijani treat that has delighted palates for generations - Sheki Pakhlava. Hailing from the picturesque city of Sheki, nestled in the foothills of the Greater Caucasus Mountains, this exquisite pastry is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of Azerbaijan.

Sheki Pakhlava is a sweet delicacy that holds a special place in Azerbaijani culture, often enjoyed during festive occasions and family gatherings. Its intricate layers of thin dough, generously filled with a mixture of nuts and sweetened with a fragrant syrup, create a symphony of textures and flavors that dance on your taste buds.

In this culinary journey, we will guide you through the art of crafting Sheki Pakhlava in the comfort of your own kitchen. Uncover the secrets of creating this delectable masterpiece, as we share a step-by-step recipe that pays homage to the culinary traditions of Azerbaijan. Get ready to experience the warmth and sweetness of Azerbaijani hospitality with each delightful bite of Sheki Pakhlava.

Badambura is a delightful Azerbaijani pastry filled with ground nuts or almonds. Here's a simple recipe for you to enjoy making these sweet treats at home:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Filling:

• 1 cup ground nuts (walnuts, almonds, or a mix)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 cup melted butter

For Assembly:

• Additional flour for dusting
• Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water)
• Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1-In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, softened butter, yogurt, egg, baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract.

2-Knead the mixture until a soft dough forms. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour.

3-Cover the dough with plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:In a separate bowl, mix the ground nuts, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and melted butter until well combined. Set aside.

Assemble the Badambura:

1-Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2-On a floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.

3-Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles from the dough.

Add the Filling:

1-Place a small spoonful of the nut filling in the center of each dough circle.

2-Fold the dough in half, creating a semi-circle shape, and press the edges to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.

Bake:

1-Arrange the filled pastries on the prepared baking sheet.

2-Brush the tops with the egg wash for a golden finish.

3-Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the badambura are golden brown.

Serve:

1-Allow the pastries to cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.

2-Once cooled, you can dust the badambura with powdered sugar if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Azerbaijani Badambura! These sweet pastries are perfect for sharing with family and friends during special occasions or as a delightful treat with your favorite hot beverage.

Nutritional Values

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and exact measurements, but here's a general estimate for the ingredients in your Badambura recipe. Keep in mind that these are rough values and may change based on your specific choices and the size of the portions:

Nutritional Values (Per Serving, Assuming 12 Servings):

For the Dough:

All-purpose flour (3 cups):

• 1080 calories
• 6g protein
• 225g carbohydrates
• 3g fiber
• 2g sugar
• 18g fat

benefits: A good source of carbohydrates for energy, and it provides some protein. It also contains small amounts of essential nutrients like iron and B-vitamins.

Unsalted butter (1 cup):

• 1628 calories
• 2g protein
• 184g fat
• 0g carbohydrates

benefits: Rich in fat, it adds flavor and contributes to the texture of the dough. Butter also contains vitamins A and D.

Plain yogurt (1 cup):

• 150 calories
• 8g protein
• 12g carbohydrates
• 7g fat

benefits: Adds moisture to the dough and contributes to its texture. Yogurt is a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, which promote digestive health.

Egg (1 large):

• 72 calories
• 6g protein
• 5g fat
• 1g carbohydrates

benefits: Provides protein and contributes to the structure of the dough. Eggs are also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12 and selenium.

Baking powder (1 teaspoon):

• 2 calories
• 0g protein
• 1g carbohydrates
• 0g fat

benefits: Acts as a leavening agent, helping the dough rise. It contains a combination of acid and alkaline components to create carbon dioxide gas, making the pastry light and fluffy.

Salt (1/2 teaspoon):

• 0 calories
• 0g protein
• 0g carbohydrates
• 0g fat

benefits: Enhances the overall flavor of the dough and balances sweetness. It also plays a role in regulating body fluid balance.

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon):

• 12 calories
• 0g protein
• 1g carbohydrates
• 0g fat

benefits: Adds a pleasant aroma and flavor to the dough. While not a significant source of nutrients, it enhances the overall taste of the pastry.

For the Filling:

Ground nuts (1 cup):

• 800 calories
• 18g protein
• 30g carbohydrates
• 6g fiber
• 6g sugar
• 72g fat

benefits: Excellent sources of healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Nuts, especially almonds, provide vitamin E and magnesium.

Granulated sugar (1/2 cup):

• 400 calories
• 0g protein
• 100g carbohydrates
• 0g fat

benefits: Sweetens the filling. While it's a source of empty calories, it provides a quick source of energy.

Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon):

• 6 calories
• 0g protein
• 2g carbohydrates
• 0g fat

benefits: Enhances the flavor of the nut filling and adds a warm, aromatic quality. Cinnamon also contains antioxidants.

Melted butter (1/4 cup):

• 450 calories
• 0g protein
• 48g fat
• 0g carbohydrates

benefits: Adds richness to the filling and contributes to its moist texture. It also provides flavor and a source of saturated fats.

For Assembly and Finishing:

Additional flour for dusting:

• Negligible in terms of nutritional impact

benefits: Used to prevent sticking during rolling and shaping. It doesn't significantly contribute to the nutritional content of the recipe.

Egg wash (1 egg beaten with a tablespoon of water):

• 70 calories
• 6g protein,
• 5g fat
• 1g carbohydrates

benefits: Adds a golden sheen to the pastry when baked, enhancing its visual appeal.

Powdered sugar for dusting (optional):

• 30 calories
• 0g protein
• 8g carbohydrates
• 0g fat

benefits: Provides a sweet finishing touch and adds a decorative element. It doesn't contribute significant nutritional value.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on specific product brands and variations in measurements. It's always a good idea to check the nutritional information on the packaging of the specific ingredients you use.