Indulge in the rich heritage of Georgian sweets with Georgia Kada, a delightful dessert reminiscent of the famed baklava yet offering its unique Georgian flair. Layers of thin, flaky pastry embrace a sumptuous filling of crushed nuts, often walnuts or almonds, harmonized with the subtle sweetness of honey or syrup.

What sets Georgia Kada apart is its distinctive blend of spices, which may include cinnamon, cloves, or cardamom, infusing each bite with a tantalizing complexity. Served as a symbol of hospitality and celebration in Georgian culture, this dessert promises a symphony of flavors and textures that captivate the senses, inviting you to savor every moment of its irresistible allure.

Whether enjoyed alongside a steaming cup of Georgian tea or as the crowning jewel of a festive spread, Georgia Kada is a true testament to the culinary mastery of the Caucasus region, sure to leave a lasting impression on discerning palates worldwide.

Ingredients:

For the pastry:

• 1 package of phyllo dough (approximately 16 ounces), thawed if frozen
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted

For the filling:

• 2 cups walnuts or almonds, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

For the syrup:

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches) with butter or cooking spray.

2- In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped nuts, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. Mix well and set aside.

3- Unroll the phyllo dough and place it on a clean, flat surface. Cover the dough with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.

4- Carefully place one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish. Brush the sheet with melted butter using a pastry brush. Repeat this process, layering the phyllo sheets and brushing each layer with butter, until you have used about half of the phyllo dough.

5- Sprinkle half of the nut mixture evenly over the layered phyllo dough.

6- Continue layering the remaining phyllo dough sheets on top of the nut mixture, brushing each sheet with butter as before.

7- Sprinkle the remaining nut mixture evenly over the top layer of phyllo dough.

8- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the pastry into diamond or square-shaped pieces, making sure to cut all the way through to the bottom of the dish.

9- Bake the Georgia Kada in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.

10- While the pastry is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, cloves, and lemon juice. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar is dissolved. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool slightly.

11- Once the Georgia Kada is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm syrup over the hot pastry, making sure to cover all the pieces evenly.

12- Allow the Georgia Kada to cool completely in the baking dish before serving. This will allow the pastry to absorb the syrup and become even more delicious.

13- Serve the Georgia Kada at room temperature as a delightful dessert or snack, and enjoy the rich flavors and textures of this traditional Georgian treat!

Enjoy your homemade Georgia Kada!

Nutritional Values :

Phyllo Dough (16 ounces):

• Calories: 1,600 kcal
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Sodium: 1,600mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 320g
• Dietary Fiber: 8g
• Sugars: 8g
• Protein: 40g

benefits

• Phyllo dough is low in fat and cholesterol-free.
• It provides some dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.
• It's a source of carbohydrates, providing energy.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup melted):

• Calories: 1,628 kcal
• Total Fat: 184g
• Saturated Fat: 116g
• Cholesterol: 488mg
• Sodium: 28mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 2g

benefits

• Butter is a good source of fat-soluble vitamins such as A, E, and K.
• It adds richness and flavor to baked goods.
• Butter contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which may have potential health benefits.

Walnuts (2 cups, finely chopped):

• Calories: 1,200 kcal
• Total Fat: 120g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 24g
• Dietary Fiber: 12g
• Sugars: 4g
• Protein: 24g

benefits

• Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health.
• They contain antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
• Walnuts are a good source of protein and fiber, helping to keep you full and satisfied.

Almonds (2 cups, finely chopped):

• Calories: 1,320 kcal
• Total Fat: 112g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 48g
• Dietary Fiber: 24g
• Sugars: 12g
• Protein: 48g

benefits

• Almonds are packed with vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
• They are high in monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
• Almonds provide magnesium, which is important for bone health and muscle function.

Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 400 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 100g
• Sugars: 100g
• Protein: 0g

benefits

• Granulated sugar provides a quick source of energy.
• It adds sweetness to dishes, making them more palatable.
• However, it should be consumed in moderation as excessive sugar intake can lead to health issues like obesity and diabetes.

Honey (1/2 cup):

• Calories: 516 kcal
• Total Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 10mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 140g
• Sugars: 140g
• Protein: 1g

benefits

• Honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and antibacterial properties.
• It may help soothe sore throats and coughs when consumed with warm water or tea.
• Honey has been used in traditional medicine for its potential wound-healing properties.

These values are approximate and should be used as a general guide. Adjustments may be needed based on specific ingredients and serving sizes used in your preparation.