Have you ever wanted to make delicious Lebanese baklava at home but thought it was too hard? Well, we’ve got great news for you! There’s a super easy way to make this yummy dessert, and we’re going to show you how.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- What makes Lebanese baklava special
- The quick and easy method to make it
- The ingredients you’ll need
- Step-by-step instructions
- Tips for the best results
Are you ready to become a baklava expert? Let’s get started!
What is Lebanese Baklava?
Lebanese baklava is a sweet pastry that’s popular in Middle Eastern countries. It’s made with layers of thin dough called phyllo, filled with nuts, and soaked in a tasty syrup. People often eat it during special times like Ramadan or at family gatherings.
The Secret to Easy Baklava
Here’s the big secret: You don’t need to butter every single layer of dough! Instead, you can pour melted butter over the whole thing at once. This method is much faster and easier, but the baklava still tastes amazing.
What You’ll Need
To make this easy Lebanese baklava, you’ll need:
- Phyllo dough
- Walnuts (or other nuts)
- Sugar
- Butter (clarified butter or ghee works best)
- Rose water or orange blossom water
- Lemon juice
- A baking pan
How to Make the Syrup
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
First, let’s make the Syrup that gives baklava its sweet, yummy taste.
- Put 1 cup of sugar and 3/4 cup of water in a pot
- Add a little lemon juice
Step 2: Cook the Syrup
- Heat the mixture until it boils
- Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sugar dissolves
- Add rose water or orange blossom water
- Let it cool down and put it in the fridge
Preparing the Nut Filling
Step 1: Process the Nuts
- Put 3 cups of walnuts in a food processor
- Add 1/2 cup of sugar
- Blend for 15-20 seconds until finely chopped
Assembling the Baklava
Photo Credit: freepik
Step 1: Prepare the Pan
- Put a little melted butter on the bottom of a 9×13-inch pan.
Step 2: Layer the Phyllo
- Put half of the phyllo sheets in the pan
- Spread the nut mixture on top
- Add the rest of the phyllo sheets
Step 3: Cut the Baklava
- Use a sharp knife to cut diamond shapes in the baklava
- Make sure to cut all the way through to the bottom
Step 4: Add the Butter
Here’s the magic part:
- Pour melted clarified butter all over the top
- Let it soak in for 5 minutes
Step 5: Bake
- Bake at 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) for 50-60 minutes until golden and crispy
Step 6: Add Syrup
- As soon as it comes out of the oven, pour the cold Syrup over the hot baklava
- Let it cool for at least an hour before eating
Tips for Perfect Baklava
- Use cold Syrup on hot baklava for the best texture
- Try different nuts like pistachios for Variety
- Don’t skip the rose water or orange blossom water โ it’s what makes it taste Lebanese!
- Let the baklava sit for a while after adding the Syrup so it can soak up
Conclusion
See how easy it is to make delicious Lebanese baklava at home? With this quick method, you can have a tasty dessert ready in no time. Why not try making it for your next family gathering or special occasion?
Have you ever tried making baklava before? What other Middle Eastern desserts would you like to learn how to make?
Photo Credit: freepik
