Discover the story of how a chance encounter in a Middle Eastern restaurant in Phoenix led to the acquisition of a coveted authentic walnut and pistachio baklava recipe. In addition, learn how this delicious dessert not only provided a taste of the Middle East but also a glimpse into its rich history and traditions!
One morning, my spouse and I visited a Middle Eastern restaurant in Phoenix for a meal. As we finished eating, we were served a delicious dessert of authentic walnut and pistachio baklava made by an Iraqi woman.
While we were enjoying the dessert, a customer accidentally broke a plate, causing a commotion in the restaurant. However, amidst the chaos, I seized the opportunity to beg the owner for the recipe for the baklava.
Initially, the owner was hesitant to share the recipe with me, but I persisted in my request. However, after a lot of convincing, the owner finally relented and agreed to give me the recipe.
I was ecstatic to have the chance to recreate the dessert at home. Subsequently, I carefully noted down the ingredients and instructions for making the baklava.
The recipe called for layers of phyllo dough, chopped walnuts and pistachios, cinnamon, and syrup made from sugar, water, honey, and lemon juice. The process of making the baklava was time-consuming and required patience, but the result was well worth the effort.
As I worked in the kitchen, I reminisced about the wonderful experience we had at the Middle Eastern restaurant. The ambiance, the flavors, and the hospitality of the people there made it a memorable visit.
I was grateful for the opportunity to learn about the culture and cuisine of the Middle East through my visit to the restaurant. The food was not only delicious but also provided a glimpse into the rich history and traditions of the region.
The baklava recipe that I received was a gift, and I treasured it as a symbol of the connections and relationships that can be forged through a shared love of food.
In the end, I was able to successfully recreate that authentic walnut and pistachio baklava at home. As I savored each bite, I was transported back to the Middle Eastern restaurant in Phoenix and the wonderful memories we had made there.
I realized that food has the power to bring people together and create lasting connections. It is a universal language that transcends boundaries and allows us to appreciate the beauty and diversity of our world.
My morning at the Middle Eastern restaurant in Phoenix was a truly special experience. The delicious baklava that we enjoyed and the recipe that I was able to obtain served as a reminder of the wonderful connections and memories that can be made through food.
So this is how I created the authentic walnut and pistachio baklava.
Ingredients:
For the syrup:
- 2 cups of granulated sugar
- 2/3 cup of honey (I use Greek Honey)
- 2 sticks of cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons of squeezed lemon juice
For the baklava:
- 3 cups (10 to 11 oz) of walnuts
- 3 cups (13 to 14 oz) of natural, raw, and unsalted pistachios
- 3/4 cup of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of finely grated lemon peel
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
- 1 1/2 ounces of finely chopped dried apple rings
- 20 sheets of 17×12 inch fresh or thawed phyllo pastry
- 1 1/2 cups of melted butter (I use unsalted butter)
How to make this authentic walnut and pistachio baklava?
For the syrup:
- Combine 1 cup of water with all components in a medium-sized, heavy saucepan to create the syrup.
- Heat the mixture over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has dissolved completely. Bring it to a boil.
- Lower the heat to medium and let the syrup boil for about 15 minutes until it has reduced to approximately 2 cups.
- Once the syrup is ready, transfer it to a bowl and let it cool until it reaches room temperature. You have the option of preparing this ahead of time by covering it up and putting it in the refrigerator.
For the baklava:
- Prepare the oven and set it to 350°F. Place one rack in the upper third and another in the lower third of the oven.
- Place the walnuts on one baking sheet and the pistachios on another. Place them in the oven for 5 minutes, then take them out to cool before putting them into a processor.
- Put the nuts, sugar, lemon peel, and ground cinnamon into a processor to mix. Mix the dried apples into the nut mixture, using on and off turns to reach a medium texture. Once blended, move it all into a large bowl.
- Coat a 13 x 9 x 2-inch metal baking pan with melted butter. Place one phyllo sheet in the pan, making sure that half of it hangs off the long side.
- Brush melted butter over one 12 x 8 1/2-inch phyllo sheet and fold it to make two layers. Repeat the same process with four more sheets, so that a total of ten layers is created.
- Spread 2 cups of the nut mixture generously over the phyllo in the pan and leave 1/2 inch of edge. Layer 5 more sheets of phyllo and spread 1/3rd of the remaining nuts on it.
- Repeat this process two times more, with 5 more sheets each time and 1/3rd of the nuts. Place 5 folded phyllo sheets on top and cut through all layers lengthwise (not reaching to the bottom) into 4 strips, then crosswise to make 16 rectangles.
- Bake for approximately 45 minutes until the phyllo becomes golden in color.
- Once the baklava has been heated, slowly pour the chilled syrup over it. Allow it to cool off completely before transferring to a storage container and leaving it at room temperature overnight. This will ensure that your baklava is perfectly prepared for serving when you are ready.
- Slice the baklava rectangles horizontally to create 32 pieces.
- Move the baklava onto a serving dish and present it.
There you have it! A step-by-step guide to making authentic walnut and pistachio baklava. By following these instructions, you can create a delicious and sweet dessert that will impress your family and friends. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a layer of chocolate or Nutella spread to create a unique twist on this traditional dessert. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of nuts to create your unique flavor profile. So go ahead and try this recipe out and enjoy the mouth-watering taste of homemade baklava!
