Baklava with Gift Boxes

Turkish Baklava

Turkish baklava is a famous dessert known for its delicate taste, rich history, and the craftsmanship involved in its preparation. It is a dish of cultural significance and is considered the heart of Turkey. In Turkey, baklava is often presented in a distinctive and hospitable manner, with various types that serve as an unforgettable source of flavor. The sale of Turkish baklava is carried out at different locations. This unique taste of Turkish cuisine has become an indispensable choice for tourists visiting the country. In fact, you will rarely find a guest returning from Turkey without baklava. Turkish baklava comes in various types and styles, each with its unique characteristics and flavors. Some of the most famous types of Turkish baklava include:

Pistachio Baklava: One of the most popular types of baklava. It consists of thin layers of phyllo dough filled with crushed pistachios and held together with syrup or honey.

Walnut Baklava: Similar to pistachio baklava, but the filling is made from ground walnuts.

Sarıyer Baklava: This type of baklava is often made with thicker phyllo dough and is filled with crushed nuts, usually walnuts. It is named after the Sarıyer district of Istanbul.

Sütlü Nuriye (Milky Baklava): As mentioned earlier, this variation includes a milk-based mixture poured over the baked layers before adding syrup, giving it a rich and creamy taste.

Künefe: Although not exactly baklava, Künefe is a dessert made with shredded pastry soaked in sugar-based syrup and often served warm. It is layered with Levantine cheese and has a unique texture and flavor.

The Art of Making Turkish Baklava

Making Turkish baklava requires patience and precision, but the delicious results are worth the effort. Here is a simplified recipe for preparing Turkish baklava:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 2 cups finely chopped walnuts or pistachios (or a mix)

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

For the Layers:

• 1 package phyllo dough, thawed

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted

For the Syrup:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Nut Filling: In a bowl, mix finely chopped nuts, sugar, and cinnamon. Set aside.

2. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

3. Prepare the Phyllo Dough: Unroll the thawed phyllo dough and place it on a clean surface. Cover with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying.

4. Layering the Baklava: Grease a baking dish (typically 9×13 inches) with melted butter. Place one sheet of phyllo dough into the pan and brush with melted butter. Repeat the process, stacking about 8-10 sheets. Evenly spread a portion of the nut filling over the layered phyllo dough.

5. Repeat the Layers: Continue layering phyllo sheets and nut filling until all ingredients are used, ensuring the final layer is phyllo dough.

6. Cut the Baklava: Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes. Be careful not to press too hard, as this may compress the layers.

7. Bake: Bake the baklava in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

8. Prepare the Syrup: While the baklava bakes, prepare the syrup by combining water, sugar, honey, cinnamon (if used), and lemon juice in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until slightly thickened.

9. Pour the Syrup: Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the hot syrup evenly over the hot baklava.

10. Let it Soak: Allow the baklava to cool and absorb the syrup for a few hours or overnight before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Turkish baklava! Remember, while the process may seem complex, working with phyllo dough becomes easier with practice.

Preparing Turkish Baklava Dough

The dough used for Turkish baklava plays a crucial role in achieving its crispy and delicate texture. The dough used for baklava is called “yufka” or “phyllo dough.” Making phyllo dough from scratch requires skill and experience, but if you prefer a simpler approach, store-bought phyllo dough can also be used.

Here is a basic recipe for making traditional Turkish phyllo dough from scratch:

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 cup warm water

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

For Rolling the Dough:

• Cornstarch or flour for dusting

Instructions:

1. Mixing the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add warm water and olive oil. Gradually mix the flour into the liquid until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.

2. Resting the Dough: Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a walnut) and place them on a tray. Lightly brush each ball with olive oil to prevent drying. Cover with a damp kitchen towel and let them rest for at least 2 hours or overnight. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out.

3. Rolling the Dough: Ensure your work surface is clean and generously dusted with cornstarch or flour. Take one dough ball at a time and roll it out into a thin sheet. If you have the skill, use a rolling pin or gently stretch the dough with your hands until it is paper-thin. Stack the sheets one over another, repeating the process for each dough ball.

4. Assembling the Baklava: Once you have thin phyllo sheets, use them to assemble your baklava according to your preferred recipe.

If making phyllo dough from scratch seems too difficult, pre-made phyllo dough is available in most grocery stores. Be sure to thaw it properly according to the package instructions before using it to assemble your baklava.

Keep in mind that working with phyllo dough requires patience, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempts aren’t perfect. The key is to handle the dough gently and aim for the signature thin layers that define baklava.

The Right Place for Buying Turkish Baklava

For years, Rəmzioğlu Baklava has been serving gourmet enthusiasts with high-quality desserts in the capital. Our store specializes in selling Turkish baklava, offering a delightful selection of sweets from both Turkish and Azerbaijani cuisines. Additionally, our professional pastry chefs craft kadayıf, shekerbura, pistachio cookies, and various baklava assortments. We also provide elegant arrangements and custom orders for wedding and engagement trays.

Visit our website’s blog section to read interesting articles about sweets and explore Turkish baklava prices. Our stores are located in multiple areas of Baku and Sumqayit. For a wide selection of sweets and exquisite presentation, visit our stores, where our professional pastry chefs and sales representatives will assist you in making the perfect choice.

Follow us on YouTube: