Baklava

Step by step: Baklava

• Step1

  To make the dough: Sift together 500 grams (17.6 oz) of flour, 1 teaspoon of salt and 2 teaspoons of sugar. Mix on low speed with the hook attachment. Gradually add 350 milliliters (11.8 fl oz) of milk.

• Step2

  Gradually add 50 grams (3.5 oz) of melted butter and mix for at least another 5 minutes, until the dough is smooth and very elastic.

• Step3

  Spread the dough onto a work surface and gather it into a ball. Cover and rest at room temperature for 1 hour.

• Step4

  Make the filling: Combine 400 grams (14 oz) of toasted chopped walnuts, pistachios or almonds. Add 200 grams (7 0z) of powdered sugar, 1/2 a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves.

• Step5

  Divide the dough into 20 equal parts. Pre shape each piece into a round, and cover to prevent drying. Flour your working surface and roll each ball as thinly as possible. Sprinkle the thin sheets with flour and stack them on top of each other.

• Step6

  To make Baklava rolls. Brush off the excess flour, sprinkle with approximately 10 grams (1/3 oz) of melted butter and a thin layer of the nuts mixture. You are going to need 250 grams of melted butter.

• Step7

  Roll the baklava, squeeze it and transfer to a baking sheet. Brush the baklava with the remaining melted butter.

• Step8

  Bake at 200°C (390°F) for about 20 minutes.

• Step9

  Make the simple syrup while the baklava is baking. Combine 200 grams (7 fl oz) of sugar with 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) of water in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from the heat, add 100 grams (3.5 oz) of honey and stir.

• Step10

  Pour the honey syrup over the baklava, sprinkle with toasted chopped nuts, cool and serve with tea or coffee.

• Step11

  Try this Central Asian yeast raised baklava recipe, made with yeast raised dough.