Original amazing story of baklava

Baklava sweet, the name as well as the taste essentially radiates something unique and exquisite. The sweet dish Baklava is synonymous with the Middle East and Mediterranean regions. In the present times, Baklava from Turkey is indeed a common knowledge for everyone but the origin of this sweet delicacy is a topic of strong debate. Some vote of Greece while others vote for Turkey. But the fun part is that both these countries share a long history of making, innovating as well as enjoying Baklava sweet.

Many are of the opinion that Baklava was developed first in Persia and this is because the ‘va’ from ‘Baklava’ is Persian. History is proof that Greece, Rome, and Persia all mixed with one another at a certain point in time and thus it is very natural that Baklava has origins in the Middle East as a whole. Ultimately what is most fascinating is the way the Turkish- Greek sweet is loved and well accepted by people all over the world.

The unique pyramid shape is visually attractive as the structure works as a boundary which keeps the fillings enclosed in a circular space. Baklava Pyramid is a game changer and attracts curious foodies who feel at the top of the world after trying them out! The Baklava mithai is the only kind of desert in which the filling is exposed to add to the beauty and elegance. A perfect balance of taste and art- Baklava Pyramids are nested bowls with rich fillings of nuts, pistachios, almonds, walnuts etc. When you see the colourful fillings, it surely adds a different touch to the whole experience of eating Baklava.

Baklava Tarts is a Turkish sweet dish with a mouth full of goodness balanced with overloads of nuts and crispy filo. The nuts in the Turkish Baklava tart gives good number of healthy carbs, fat and protein. The Filo dough is an exclusive ingredient and made using various extracts specific to region. Why Baklava is so special? It’s because of the sheer craftsmanship involved. It is amazing how a dish from Greece, Turkey ultimately travelled to India and made its place in the heart and mind of the people. The one ingredient which is needed in abundance to prepare Baklava sweet is – Love for desserts! Apart from that, we need nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, peanuts, melted butter, cinnamon powder, sugar, honey, water, lemon juice, lemon zest, and phyllo sheets. The process begins by mixing all the items to make the filling. Some almond, walnut, pistachio powder, sugar, and cinnamon powder along with a dollop of butter are to be taken in a mixing bowl. Mix all the items gently and keep them aside. Now comes the part that needs skills. The phyllo sheets need to be folded into half and then butter is to be applied to the sheet which is facing upwards.

On the baking sheet the baklavas of your desired shape should be placed seam side down. There must proper distance between Baklavas so that each gets baked properly. Take some mixture, put it on the sheet, and start rolling. Do not forget to apply butter on the side which is rolled up already. Make sure to fill the filling even after the halfway rolling is done.

This way you get the onrush of fillings in every bite, every layer of the Baklava. Now cut the sheets into the shapes you want and put them on the baking tray. Brush them with butter and put them in the 180 C preheated oven. Allow the whole thing to bake for 15-20 minutes and when you see the colour turning to a golden brown, you know magic has been made.

Dunkel Braun