Dive into the rich layers of Greece's culinary heritage with our tantalizing Greek Baklava. This exquisite dessert, hailing from the ancient lands of Greece, is a symphony of delicate phyllo pastry, crushed nuts, and sweet honey syrup. Each bite unveils a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, reminiscent of the sun-kissed Mediterranean shores. Indulge in a taste of tradition, crafted with passion and precision, and experience the true essence of Greek hospitality in every golden, syrupy morsel.

Here's a traditional recipe for Greek Baklava:

Ingredients:

For the Baklava:

• 1 pound (about 450g) phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
• 1 1/2 cups (about 225g) chopped nuts (such as walnuts, pistachios, or almonds)
• 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

For the Syrup:

• 1 cup (240ml) water
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240ml) honey
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 strip of lemon zest

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch (23x33cm) baking dish.

2- In a bowl, mix together the chopped nuts with cinnamon and cloves, if using. Set aside.

3- Unroll the phyllo dough carefully and cover it with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.

4- Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the greased baking dish, and brush it lightly with melted butter. Repeat with about 7-8 more sheets, buttering each layer.

5- Sprinkle a generous layer of the nut mixture evenly over the buttered phyllo layers.

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

7- Once you have used up all the phyllo dough, carefully cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes using a sharp knife.

8- Bake the baklava in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.

9- While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the water, sugar, honey, cinnamon stick, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, until slightly thickened.

10- Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the hot syrup over the hot baklava. Be sure to cover the baklava evenly with the syrup.

11- Allow the baklava to cool completely in the pan before serving, allowing the syrup to soak into the layers.

12- Serve the Greek Baklava at room temperature, and enjoy the deliciously sweet and nutty flavors of this classic Mediterranean dessert!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximate nutritional breakdown for the main ingredients used in the Greek Baklava recipe:

Phyllo Dough (1 pound / 450g):

• Calories: 1,350
• Total Fat: 45g
• Carbohydrates: 225g
• Protein: 22.5g

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains small amounts of protein for tissue repair and growth.
• Low in fat compared to other pastry doughs.

Chopped Nuts (1 1/2 cups / 225g):

• Calories: 1,350 (approx., varies based on nut type)
• Total Fat: 120g (approx., varies based on nut type)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (approx., varies based on nut type)
• Protein: 45g (approx., varies based on nut type)

benefits:

• Excellent source of healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids.
• Rich in protein, aiding in muscle repair and growth.
• Provides essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin E, magnesium, and potassium.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup / 225g):

• Calories: 1,600
• Total Fat: 180g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Contains fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K.
• Provides a source of energy.
• Adds richness and flavor to baked goods.

Granulated Sugar (1 cup / 200g):

• Calories: 774
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 200g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Provides a quick source of energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
• Enhances sweetness in desserts.
• Should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie content.

Honey (1 cup / 240ml):

• Calories: 1,030
• Total Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 278g
• Protein: 1g

Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brand, specific ingredients used, and method of preparation.