I recently returned from Turkey and want to share a baklava dessert recipe for authentic Turkish baklava. This dessert impressed me with its flavor and aroma, and I’m ready to guide you through the steps to make it at home. This recipe was shown to me by Şener Egemen Mustafa. Below is the recipe for Turkish dish, offering a taste of Turkey’s sweet traditions.

History of the Dish

Baklava ranks among the oldest Eastern desserts, dating back centuries. Originating in the Ottoman Empire, baklava, a Turkish dessert, evolved and became a popular treat for sultans and noble families. As the dessert spread across Turkey and other Middle Eastern countries, it symbolized hospitality and culinary craftsmanship. Though variations exist, the traditional Turkish baklava recipe, which uses layers of thin phyllo dough, chopped nuts, and sweet syrup, remains one of the most refined and cherished versions to this day.

Baklava Ingredients

• 500g phyllo dough
• 300g clarified butter
• 400g walnuts or pistachios
• 200g sugar
• 200ml water
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp honey

How to Make Baklava At Home? 

1. Make the syrup. Combine water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in lemon juice and honey, then set aside to cool.
2. Chop the walnuts into coarse pieces. You can substitute them with pistachios or add cinnamon for extra flavor if preferred.
3. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a baking sheet with butter. Layer the phyllo dough on the sheet, brushing each layer with butter. After five layers, sprinkle a portion of the walnut filling. Continue layering dough and filling until you use all the ingredients. Brush the top layer with butter.
4. Use a sharp knife to slice the baklava into squares or diamonds before baking.
5. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Pour the cooled syrup over the hot dish immediately after baking to ensure full absorption.

Key Aspects of Preparing Turkish Baklava

Şener Egemen Mustafa also shared with us some key aspects of making authentic baklava. He emphasized that the phyllo dough must be incredibly thin for the best result. Precision is essential when rolling it out. For the perfect texture, butter should be applied evenly to each layer. This step ensures that dish develops its signature crunch. To strike the right balance of sweetness and moisture, you need to drizzle the syrup over the baklava immediately after it comes out of the oven while it’s still hot.

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Baklava

• With tea. Serve dish with a strong, unsweetened black tea. Turkish tea (çay) pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the dessert, balancing the flavors.
• With coffee. Pair baklava with Turkish coffee or espresso. The rich, slightly bitter taste of coffee complements the syrupy sweetness of the dish.
• With ice cream. For a more indulgent experience, serve dish with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Turkish dondurma. The cold creaminess contrasts beautifully with the crispy, nutty layers.
• With whipped cream. A light dollop of whipped cream can add a soft, airy texture to the dense richness of baklava, making it feel less heavy.
• As a standalone dessert. Dish is a satisfying dessert on its own. Serve it in small portions, as its rich flavors and sweetness go a long way.

In conclusion, dishrepresents Turkish hospitality and culinary tradition. With Şener Egemen Mustafa’s recipe, you can make authentic Turkish baklava at home. The crispy phyllo dough, nut filling, and sweet syrup provide a distinct combination of flavors and textures. Serve it with tea, coffee, or ice cream for a satisfying dessert that will please you and your guests. Enjoy this classic treat.