World Flavors Cookbook

Baklava

Layers of buttery phyllo pastry filled with walnuts and spices, drenched in a honey and cinnamon syrup — the undisputed queen of Greek pastry.

Cuisine: Greece

Ingredients

• 500g phyllo pastry
• 300g walnuts, finely chopped
• 1 tsp cinnamon, pinch of cloves
• 250g butter, melted
• Syrup: 400g sugar, 300ml water, 200g honey, 1 cinnamon stick, lemon peel

Instructions

1. Layer buttered phyllo sheets in a pan, every 3–4 sheets adding a layer of walnut mixture.
2. Top with remaining phyllo, butter each layer generously.
3. Score into diamond shapes. Bake at 170°C for 45–50 minutes until deep golden.
4. Make syrup: boil sugar, water, honey, and cinnamon. Cool slightly.
5. Pour warm syrup over hot baklava. Let absorb for several hours before serving.