Homemade Albanian Baklava – Delicious Recipe
Hey, everyone! Today, let’s make a well-known Albanian baklava. It’s a sweet treat that Albanians enjoy, and I’m here to show you how to make it.
Imagine layers of thin pastry, crunchy nuts, and sweet syrup coming together. It’s like a delicious puzzle! You’ll need some basic ingredients like dough, nuts, sugar, and butter. I always make sure to use the best ingredients and you can find these ingredients easily on Amazon.
You layer the dough with butter and nuts, bake it, and then pour sweet syrup on top. It’s not just for special occasions. Albanians enjoy Baklava at family gatherings and celebrations.
So, let’s get cooking and explore this tasty piece of Albanian culture!
This is one of the most famous Albanian dishes, but let’s not forget another very tasty recipe that I posted not too long ago about Flija. you can get it here if any of you missed it.
What is Albanian baklava made of?
Albanian baklava consists of straightforward ingredients that create a delightful dessert. It all starts with thin layers of phyllo dough, resembling delicate pastry sheets. These layers stack one by one, forming the foundation of our Baklava.
To introduce that satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, we incorporate crushed nuts. Albanian Baklava commonly features walnuts as the nut of choice. We generously sprinkle these crushed walnuts between the layers of phyllo dough, giving each bite a deliciously nutty surprise.
To add a touch of sweetness, sugar plays a part. This sugar contributes the perfect amount of sweetness, balancing the nuttiness and the flakiness of the phyllo dough.
And, of course, let’s not forget the butter. We lightly (or sometimes generously) brush butter between each layer of phyllo dough, resulting in a beautiful golden and crispy outcome during baking.
Can I cook baklava with homemade phyllo or frozen?
You can cook Albanian Baklava with either homemade phyllo dough or frozen phyllo dough, depending on your preference and the time you have available.
If you choose to make homemade phyllo dough, it can be a rewarding and traditional approach. It involves mixing flour, water, and a bit of oil to create a thin, delicate pastry. This process allows for a more personalized touch to your Baklava, but it can be time-consuming.
On the other hand, using frozen phyllo dough is a convenient option. Many people opt for this choice as it saves time and effort. You can find frozen phyllo dough in most grocery stores, and it’s ready to use after thawing. Just remember to keep it covered with a damp cloth while working with it to prevent it from drying out.
So, whether you prefer the homemade experience or the convenience of frozen phyllo dough, both options can result in delicious Baklava. The choice is yours!
What is the best filling for baklava?
The best filling for Albanian baklava typically consists of a mixture of crushed nuts, sugar, and warm spices. A classic and widely loved combination includes walnuts or a blend of walnuts and pistachios, mixed with sugar and a touch of ground cinnamon.
This filling provides a perfect balance of nuttiness, sweetness, and a hint of warmth from the cinnamon, making each bite of Baklava a delightful experience.
Of course, variations are possible, and some recipes may use almonds, hazelnuts, or a combination of different nuts, along with other spices like cloves or cardamom for added complexity of flavor.
Ultimately, the choice of filling can be a matter of personal preference, so you can experiment to find the combination that suits your taste best.
How do you bake baklava?
The best way to bake Baklava is to follow a few essential steps. Start by meticulously layering the phyllo sheets, making sure they’re thin and thoroughly buttered to achieve that signature flaky texture.
Next, evenly spread the nut and sugar filling over the phyllo layers, using a combination of crushed nuts, sugar, and a hint of ground cinnamon for a delightful flavor. Before baking, precisely cut the Baklava into diamond or square shapes, allowing for even serving and syrup absorption.
Bake it at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes until it’s beautifully golden and crispy. Once out of the oven, pour cool syrup over the hot Baklava, which will be absorbed to create that sweet and sticky goodness.
Allow it to cool completely before serving, giving the syrup time to set and the flavors time to meld. These steps ensure that your Baklava is both visually appealing and incredibly delicious.
Albanian baklava recipe
Ingredients
- 1 package of phyllo dough
- 2 cups mixed nuts walnuts and pistachios, finely chopped
- 1 cup unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, combine the finely chopped mixed nuts and ground cinnamon. Set this nut mixture aside.
- Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with melted butter. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the dish and brush it with more melted butter. Repeat this process, layering and buttering each sheet, until you have about 8 sheets layered.
- Sprinkle a thin, even layer of the nut mixture over the phyllo sheets.
- Continue layering phyllo sheets and nuts until all the nut mixture is used.
- Finish with a final layer of phyllo sheets, ensuring to butter the top sheet generously.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the Baklava into diamond or square shapes.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes or until it’s golden brown and crispy.
- While the Baklava is baking, prepare the syrup. In a saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, honey, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and orange zest. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes.
- Once the Baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the hot syrup over it. Make sure to cover every piece.
- Allow the Baklava to cool completely, allowing the syrup to be absorbed.
- Serve and enjoy your homemade Albanian Baklava!
- This recipe creates a sweet and nutty delight that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family.