Nothing beats baklava, an old-world, layered dessert made with simple ingredients. Baklava is a Greek dessert made with layers of thin phyllo dough brushed with butter and topped with a flavourful nut mixture. It's baked before being drenched in honey syrup.
It's unclear where the dessert originated, but it dates back to the 8th century and has roots in Mesopotamia (the Middle East) — possibly in Greece, Turkey, or Mongolia.
Walnuts are the most commonly used nuts. In fact, simple baklava recipes can include only walnuts.
However, because different types of nuts are available depending on where you live, the nut mixture in baklava recipes varies. Walnuts (Greek), pistachios (Turkish), hazelnuts, and almonds are among the four possible nuts.
Walnuts are less expensive than other nuts, so recipes typically combine walnuts with another nut listed above. A popular combination is walnuts and pistachios.
Baklava is traditionally made with phyllo dough, but there are many new and inventive ways to make the dessert.
Because the distinct baklava flavour is derived from crushed nuts and honey syrup, the possibilities for creative variations are endless. To name a few, there are baklava donuts, baklava pancakes, baklava macarons, baklava cheesecake, and baklava cinnamon rolls. Phyllo dough is not required for these delectable spins.
How To Store Baklava?
1. At Room Temperature
Take the Baklava out of the oven and place it in a large, shallow, and uncovered container. When the weather is rainy or humid, it is critical to keep cool. There are two things to remember:
During the summer, immediately place the Baklava in the refrigerator after baking it. It allows them to cool before being exposed to room temperature conditions.
Keep the Baklava at room temperature for no more than 5 days.
2. Freezing Baklava
After they come out of the oven, place all of your Baklava in a shallow, wide container. After that, cool the uncovered container in the refrigerator. By freezing the Baklava, you reduce the temperature of other food items, which can ruin the taste and texture of the Baklava.
You can use a freezer-safe bag, but be careful not to crush the Baklava with other foods in the fridge. Then cover with a layer of parchment paper. Continue the process until the container is full, then add the final piece of parchment paper.
Once completed, place the Baklava in the freezer until ready to reheat. Place them in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours or overnight to defrost before serving.
What’s The Shelf Life Of Baklava?
Baklava has a long shelf life, lasting up to two weeks or more if properly stored.
Put them in an airtight container or at room temperature to keep them fresh. Place them at room temperature to help preserve the crispiness. If you prefer them chewier and harder, place them in the refrigerator.