Greek Baklava

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What is Greek Baklava?

Greek baklava is a sweet dessert consisting of layers of thin phyllo dough, filled with a mixture of chopped nuts, sweetened with syrup or honey, and often flavored with cinnamon or cloves. Baklava is one of Greece’s well known desserts. Every nation makes their baklava slightly different and the greek add a depth of flavor notes in their signature baklava.

Out of all the baklavas in the world, I find Greek baklava to be more fragrant. Through the use of cinnamon, clove and walnuts in their filling to the honey, cinnamon and orange peel in their simple syrup, this baklava hits you with a ton of flavor notes. Greek baklava is not shy about adding butter. Much like Turkish baklava, butter is spread between every few layers which creates the delicious buttery and flakey texture; however, Greece adds layers of walnuts throughout the baklava.

Greek Baklava vs Turkish Baklava vs Syrian Baklava Food Feuds

Food Feuds is a series where we rate similar dishes from different countries to figure out who makes it better.

The rivalry between Greek and Turkish food is unparalleled. I created a Food Feuds video, which has become one of the most popular videos on my channel, Kickin’ it with Sal. Many followers informed me that both Turkey and Greece claim to be the original creators of baklava. I have also come to the conclusion that Turkey asserts ownership over many foods, whether they are genuinely the originators or have simply adopted them through occupation and colonization of much of the Middle East, claiming the cuisines of other regions simply because they can. For a deep sensory analysis on the differences of baklava from Turkey, Greece and Syria, check out my latest review!

@kickinitwithsal

♬ dance(256762) – TimTaj

Ingredients

Key Ingredients:

• Phyllo Sheets: You have the flexibility to choose any phyllo sheets you prefer. I usually purchase mine from the Arabic grocery store, and they are also available in many Greek, Turkish, or Iranian local grocers. Surprisingly, I have even spotted them in places like Walmart and Giant.
  • Ensure that every phyllo sheet is generously greased. This step is crucial for achieving that delightful crisp texture. Feel free to cut the sheets to fit your baking tray. I had to do this for a couple of video comparisons.
  • To prevent the phyllo sheets from drying up, cover them with a towel. It’s essential to work swiftly because once they are out of the plastic wrapping, they begin to dry up, making them challenging to work with.
• Walnuts: Cinnamon and clove is usually added to the walnut filling. This enhances the overall flavor.
• Syrup: Greek syrup is all about enhancing flavor. They not only infuse the nut mixture with distinctive flavors but also commonly flavor the syrup mixture. Honey, cloves, cinnamon sticks, and orange peels are added to the syrup to impart a more fragrant aroma to the baklava.

Ingredients:

• 1 and 1/2 tablespoon of cinnamon
• 4 cups of finely chopped walnuts
• A pinch of clove
• 1 lb of Phyllo dough
• 1 stick of butter melted
• Dozen of Cloves for garnish

Simple Syrup

• 2 and 1/2 cup of sugar
• 2 and 1/2 cup of water
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• Slice of orange peel
• 1 stick of cinnamon
• 2 small whole clove

Directions:

1. Heat over to 350 degrees F
2. Add all simple syrup ingredients in a pot (sugar, water, honey, orange peel, cinnamon, clove). Let it boil for 20-25 until syrup gets more viscous. Turn off heat and let it cool for one hour.
3. Mix walnuts, cinnamon, and pinch of clove in a mixing bowl
4. In a greased 9×13 baking dish, add two layers of phyllo dough and spread melted ghee on top of the layer. Add about 1/4 cup of nut mixture and repeat the layers and add ghee 5 more times or until you finish the phyllo dough. Make sure the last layer is coated well with butter.
5. Use a knife to cut squares through the baklava. Add the whole cloves to each square. Transfer baklava to the oven for 45 minutes or until golden brown.
6. Take baklava out of the oven and pour on cooled simple syrup to your liking.