Albanian Honey Baklava (Mjaltë Baklava)
Lovely sweet Albanian Honey Baklava - there are so
many different types that can be made but this walnut and honey version makes a
great sweet serving after savoury dishes.
Making this dish is really simple and the smell that
fills your house while cooking is so yummy, it is hard to wait for the full
setting time before having a little taste!
For this recipe, i use walnuts but why not try
experimenting with different options such as pistachio or even fruits - i am
working on a nice nut free Baklava made with fruits - and maybe a hint of
coconut!
8 People
45 Minutes
Ingredients:
-
36 Sheets Filo Pastry
-
500g Walnuts (Crushed)
-
200g Butter (Melted)
-
1 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
-
1 Cup Sugar
-
1 Cup Water
-
3/4 Cup Honey
Directions:
Measure your filo pastry ready for the Baklava verses
the size of baking tray being used – you will need about a size that is
about 30cm x 20cm and 6cm deep, cut the filo pastry to size and cover with a
damp tea towel to keep the pastry moist.
The first step is to make the honey syrup, this can
then cool while your Baklava is cooking. Add the honey, water and sugar into a
saucepan and bring to a boil while continuously stirring.
Once the sugar has melted, leave to boil on a medium
heat for 5 minutes and then move to one side to cool.
Brush some melted butter onto the based a sides
of the baking tray.
Lay one sheet of filo pastry at a time buttering each
one as you go, layer 8 sheets.
Mix the ground walnuts and cinnamon together and
sprinkle 1/4 over the pastry.
Layer 4 more sheets buttering each one as you go and
then add another 1/4 of the nut mixture – repeat so you have 4 layers on the
nut mixture.
Layer the last 8 sheets of filo pastry – again,
buttering as you go finishing the top layer of pastry with a coat of butter
too.
You can cut the Baklava any way you desire, the
traditional is diamonds. Cut 3 lines making 4 rows down the length of the tray.
Then cut diagonally across to make diamonds.
Place in the oven at 160 degrees and cook for 1 hour
and 15 minutes.
Check every 5 minutes after 1 hour to ensure cooked,
leave slightly longer if required and take out when the pastry is golden and
crispy.
Pour the syrup over the Baklava straight away while
it is still hot – you should here the sizzling.
leave to set for 4 hours – allowing the syrup to soak
through the pastry before serving.
Note:
Filo
Pastry will dry out very quick – ensure you keep the damp tea towel over the
pastry as much as possible while making your Baklava.
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