Discover the traditional recipe for Baklava, a rich and sweet pastry made from layers of flaky filo dough, filled with a delicious mixture of nuts, and drizzled with sweet honey syrup. Perfect for any special occasion or as a delightful dessert, this Baklava recipe will guide you step by step to create a mouthwatering treat that everyone will love. Try it today and enjoy the authentic taste of this classic Mediterranean dessert.

Ingredients:

- 1 package filo dough (16 oz)

- 2 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios, or almonds), finely chopped

- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1 cup honey

- 1 cup sugar

- 1/2 cup water

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Prepare the Nut Filling: In a bowl, mix the finely chopped nuts with ground cinnamon. Set aside.

Layer the Filo Dough: Brush a 9x13 inch baking dish with melted butter. Lay one sheet of filo dough in the dish and brush it with butter. Repeat the process for about 8 sheets, making sure each one is buttered.

Add the Nut Mixture: Sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture over the filo dough. Add another 5 sheets of filo, buttering each layer. Repeat the process until all the nuts and dough are used, finishing with a layer of filo on top.

Cut the Baklava: Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes or until the baklava is golden and crisp.

Prepare the Honey Syrup: While the baklava is baking, combine honey, sugar, water, vanilla extract, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the Syrup: Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the honey syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Allow it to soak in and cool completely.

Serve: Once cooled, serve the baklava in individual pieces. Enjoy this sweet, nutty dessert with a cup of tea or coffee!

Nutritional Values

Filo Dough (1 package, 16 oz)

 - Calories: Approximately 800-1000 (for the whole package)

 - Carbohydrates: 100-120 g

 - Protein: 8-10 g

 - Fat: 40-50 g

Benefits: 

 - Texture: Provides a crisp and flaky texture to baked goods and desserts.

 - Versatility: Used as a base for various sweet and savory dishes.

Mixed Nuts (2 cups, finely chopped; walnuts, pistachios, or almonds)

 - Calories: Approximately 1200-1600

 - Protein: 25-30 g

 - Fat: 100-120 g (mostly healthy fats)

 - Carbohydrates: 40-50 g

 - Fiber: 12-15 g

Benefits: 

 - Healthy Fats: Rich in unsaturated fats, which support heart health.

 - Protein: Provides a good source of plant-based protein.

 - Nutrients: Contains vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and antioxidants.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted)

 - Calories: Approximately 810

 - Fat: 92 g (including saturated fat)

 - Protein: 1 g

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

Benefits: 

 - Flavor: Adds rich, creamy flavor and improves the texture of baked goods.

 - Baking: Essential for achieving a desirable texture in many recipes.

Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: Approximately 6

 - Carbohydrates: 2 g

Benefits: 

 - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that can help fight inflammation and improve health.

 - Flavor: Adds a warm, sweet flavor to dishes and desserts.

Honey (1 cup)

 - Calories: Approximately 640

 - Carbohydrates: 175 g

 - Protein: 0.5 g

 - Fat: 0 g

Benefits: 

 - Natural Sweetener: Provides a natural source of sweetness with some trace vitamins and minerals.

 - Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that may help with health and immunity.

Sugar (1 cup)

 - Calories: Approximately 775

 - Carbohydrates: 200 g

 - Protein: 0 g

 - Fat: 0 g

Benefits: 

 - Sweetness: Adds sweetness to recipes and helps with texture and color in baking.

Water (1/2 cup)

 - Calories: 0

Benefits: 

 - Moisture: Helps dissolve sugar and create a syrup-like consistency.

Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: Approximately 12

 - Carbohydrates: 0 g

 - Fat: 0 g

 - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: 

 - Flavor: Adds a rich vanilla flavor to dishes and desserts.

 - Aromatic: Enhances the overall aroma and taste of baked goods.

Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon)

 - Calories: Approximately 3

 - Carbohydrates: 1 g

 - Vitamin C: 7 mg

Benefits: 

 - Flavor: Adds a tangy flavor that balances sweetness.

 - Vitamin C: Provides a small amount of vitamin C, which supports immune function.

These ingredients combine to create a delicious and rich dessert with a balance of flavors and textures.