Pistachio Baklava, a timeless delicacy hailing from the Ottoman Empire, is truly a delightful treat. With layers of flaky phyllo dough, rich pistachio cream, and crunchy crushed pistachios, this dessert is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Despite its elegant appearance, Pistachio Baklava is surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a wonderful addition to any dessert table. Even if pistachio cream is hard to come by, crushed pistachios alone will take this dessert to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Ingredients
📦 1 package of phyllo dough (size #4)
🧈 4 sticks of unsalted butter (melted)
🥜 2 cups of unsalted pistachios (crushed)
🍯 1 cup of pistachio cream
🍬 3 cups sugar
💧 2 cups water
🍋 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
1- Prepare the Simple Syrup:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine 3 cups of sugar, 2 cups of water, and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil.
- Boil for 12 minutes, then remove from heat and set aside to cool.
2- Preheat and Prep:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Melt 4 sticks of unsalted butter in a saucepan or microwave.
3- Assemble the Baklava:
- Trim the phyllo dough to fit your baking pan. Use the trimmings for additional layers.
- Brush the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking pan with melted butter.
4- Layering the Phyllo:
- Place a layer of phyllo in the pan and brush it with butter. Repeat with half of the phyllo sheets, buttering each layer.
- After laying down half the sheets, spread the pistachio cream evenly and sprinkle with 1 cup of crushed pistachios.
- Continue layering the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with butter.
5- Cut and Bake:
- With a sharp knife, cut the assembled baklava into the desired shapes—traditionally diamonds or squares.
- Pour any remaining butter over the top.
6- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
7- Finish:
- Remove the baklava from the oven and immediately pour the cooled simple syrup evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of crushed pistachios for garnish.
- Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 24 pieces
Calories per Serving: ~230
Nutritional Info per Serving: Proteins: 4g, Fats: 18g, Carbohydrates: 18g
Equipment: Saucepan, baking pan, pastry brush, sharp knife
Cooking Tips:
- Ensure the butter is well melted to easily brush onto the phyllo layers.
- If phyllo dough starts drying out, cover it with a damp cloth while working.
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