Baklava is a delectable dessert featuring layers of thin filo dough filled with a mixture of chopped nuts, commonly pistachios or walnuts, and soaked in a sweet syrup or honey. This exquisite treat has roots tracing back to the ancient Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, with variations found in Greece, Turkey, and beyond. Its precise origins are debated, but its enduring popularity and rich cultural significance are undisputed. The recipe has evolved over centuries, passed down through generations, and today, it remains a beloved delicacy enjoyed worldwide for its irresistible blend of flavors and textures.

Ingredients :

- 1 package of filo dough (about 1 pound)

- 2 cups of chopped nuts (pistachios, walnuts, or a mix)

- 1 cup of unsalted butter, melted

- 1 cup of granulated sugar

- 1 cup of water

- 1/2 cup of honey

- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Method of Preparation:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a baking dish.

2. Thaw the filo dough according to package instructions.

3. In a bowl, mix together the chopped nuts with cinnamon and set aside.

4. Place one sheet of filo dough in the prepared baking dish and brush it with melted butter.

5. Repeat this process, layering the filo sheets and brushing each with butter, until you have about 8-10 layers.

6. Sprinkle a thin layer of the nut mixture over the filo dough.

7. Continue layering filo sheets and nuts until all the nuts are used, finishing with a top layer of filo dough.

8. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

10. While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup by combining sugar, water, honey, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes until slightly thickened.

11. Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the syrup over the hot pastry.

12. Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving, allowing the syrup to soak in and the pastry to set.

Enjoy your homemade baklava!

Nutrition Value:

1. Filo Dough (1 package, about 1 pound):

  - Calories: Approximately 1,600

  - Carbohydrates: Varies, typically around 300g

  - Protein: Varies, typically around 30g

  - Fat: Varies, typically around 20g

  - Sodium: Varies, typically around 1,000mg

  - Cholesterol: Varies, typically minimal

  - Vitamins: Minimal, some B vitamins

  - Minerals: Minimal, small amounts of iron and calcium

  - Nutritional Benefit: Filo dough is low in fat compared to other pastry doughs. It provides carbohydrates for energy but is not particularly nutrient-dense.

2. Chopped Nuts (2 cups, pistachios, walnuts, or a mix):

  - Calories: Approximately 1,200-1,400 (depending on the type of nuts)

  - Carbohydrates: Varies, typically around 30g

  - Protein: Varies, typically around 30-40g

  - Fat: Varies, typically around 100-120g

  - Sodium: Minimal

  - Cholesterol: Minimal

  - Vitamins: Vitamin E, B vitamins (particularly B6), folate

  - Minerals: Magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc

  - Nutritional Benefit: Nuts are rich in healthy fats, protein, and fiber. They also provide various vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin E and magnesium, which are beneficial for heart health.

3. Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted):

  - Calories: Approximately 1,600

  - Carbohydrates: Minimal

  - Protein: Minimal

  - Fat: Approximately 184g

  - Sodium: Minimal

  - Cholesterol: Approximately 488mg

  - Vitamins: Vitamin A, vitamin D (if fortified)

  - Minerals: Minimal

  - Nutritional Benefit: Butter adds richness and flavor to the baklava but should be consumed in moderation due to its high saturated fat content.

4. Granulated Sugar (1 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 770

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 200g

  - Protein: Minimal

  - Fat: Minimal

  - Sodium: Minimal

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Sugar provides sweetness but lacks significant nutritional value. Consumed in excess, it can contribute to health issues such as obesity and dental problems.

5. Water (1 cup):

  - Calories: 0

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Water is essential for hydration and overall health. It has no calories and helps regulate bodily functions.

6. Honey (1/2 cup):

  - Calories: Approximately 516

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 139g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.6g

  - Fat: Approximately 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 10mg

  - Cholesterol: None

  - Vitamins: Vitamin C, vitamin B6, niacin

  - Minerals: Calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc

  - Nutritional Benefit: Honey is a natural sweetener that contains antioxidants and various vitamins and minerals. It has antimicrobial properties and may offer some health benefits when consumed in moderation.

7. Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Approximately 6

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 2g

  - Protein: Approximately 0.1g

  - Fat: Approximately 0.1g

  - Sodium: Approximately 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: Vitamin K

  - Minerals: Calcium, iron, manganese

  - Nutritional Benefit: Cinnamon adds flavor and aroma to the baklava. It also contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

8. Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon):

  - Calories: Approximately 12

  - Carbohydrates: Approximately 0.6g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Sodium: Approximately 0mg

  - Cholesterol: 0mg

  - Vitamins: None

  - Minerals: None

  - Nutritional Benefit: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the baklava without adding significant calories or nutrients.