Embark on a culinary journey to Azerbaijan with the rich and irresistible flavors of Sheki Pakhlava. This traditional Azerbaijani sweet treat is a masterpiece of pastry craftsmanship, carefully layered with nuts, spices, and honey, creating a symphony of taste and texture that captivates the senses.

Originating from the picturesque town of Sheki, renowned for its culinary heritage, Sheki Pakhlava is a celebration of both artistry and tradition in Azerbaijani cuisine. Join us as we delve into the secrets of crafting this exquisite dessert, and bring the essence of Azerbaijan into your kitchen with our step-by-step Sheki Pakhlava recipe. Prepare to indulge in the sweet charm of Sheki Pakhlava – a culinary delight that transcends borders and brings joy to every bite.

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 teaspoon baking soda

For the Filling:

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

For the Syrup:

• 2 cups sugar
• 1.5 cups water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 cup honey

Instructions:

Prepare the Dough:

1-In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, melted butter, yogurt, and baking soda.

2-Knead the mixture until you have a smooth and elastic dough.

3-Divide the dough into 6 equal parts and let them rest for about 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:In a separate bowl, mix together the chopped walnuts, almonds, sugar, cinnamon, and ground cloves.

Roll Out the Dough:

1-Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2-Take one portion of the dough and roll it out into a thin sheet on a floured surface.

Assemble the Layers:

1-Place the rolled-out dough onto a baking sheet.

2-Sprinkle a portion of the nut filling evenly over the dough.

3-Repeat the process, layering dough and filling until you have used all portions, finishing with a layer of dough on top.

Cut into Diamond Shapes:Using a sharp knife, cut the layered dough and nut assembly into diamond-shaped pieces. This will create the characteristic pattern of Sheki Pakhlava.

Bake:Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the pastry is cooked through.

Prepare the Syrup:

1-While the pakhlava is baking, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice in a saucepan.

2-Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

3-Add honey to the syrup, stirring until well combined.

Glaze the Pakhlava:Once the pakhlava is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm honey syrup evenly over the hot pastry.

Allow to Cool:Let the Sheki Pakhlava cool and absorb the syrup for a few hours or overnight.

Serve and Enjoy:Once fully cooled, cut along the previously made diamond shapes and serve this delightful Azerbaijani treat to friends and family. Enjoy the layers of flavors and the cultural richness encapsulated in each bite of Sheki Pakhlava!

Nutritional Values

Nutritional values can vary based on specific brands and measurements, but here's a general estimate for the nutritional content of the listed ingredients per serving (assuming 16 servings):

Nutritional Values Per Serving:

All-Purpose Flour (3 cups):

• Calories: 1140
• Carbohydrates: 237g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 2g
• Fiber: 8g

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains some protein.
• Low in fat.

Unsalted Butter (1 cup, melted):

• Calories: 1628
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 2g
• Fat: 184g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• A rich source of fat for flavor and texture.
• Provides a small amount of vitamin A.

Plain Yogurt (1 cup):

• Calories: 150
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 0g

Baking Soda (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Adds moisture to the dough.
• Contains probiotics for gut health.
• Good source of protein and calcium.

Walnuts (2 cups, finely chopped):

• Calories: 1944
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Protein: 44g
• Fat: 188g
• Fiber: 20g

benefits:

• Rich in healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids.
• High in antioxidants and vitamin E.
• Provides protein and fiber.

Almonds (1 cup, finely chopped):

• Calories: 824
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 72g
• Fiber: 15g

benefits:

• Excellent source of vitamin E and antioxidants.
• High in healthy fats and protein.
• Provides dietary fiber.

Sugar (1 cup):

• Calories: 770
• Carbohydrates: 200g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Adds sweetness to the recipe.
• Quick source of energy.

Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Adds a warm, sweet flavor.
• Contains antioxidants with potential health benefits.

Ground Cloves (1/2 teaspoon):

• Calories: 3
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Imparts a warm, aromatic flavor.
• Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Sugar for Syrup (2 cups):

• Calories: 1540
• Carbohydrates: 400g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Sweetens the syrup.
• Provides energy.

Water for Syrup (1.5 cups):

• Calories: 0
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits: Essential for creating the syrup.

Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 4
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Adds a tangy flavor to the syrup.
• Contains vitamin C.

Honey (1 cup):

• Calories: 1031
• Carbohydrates: 279g
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits:

• Adds sweetness to the syrup.
• Contains antioxidants and may have various health benefits.

These values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and product variations. Always check the nutritional information on the packaging for precise details.