BAKLAVA CIGARILLAS with VANILLA ICE CREAM AND BLUEBERRIES

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Overheard, "I am not rich enough to eat baklava every day"… Baklava is a Turkish fare originating from the 8th century, historically considered only for the rich and baked only for special occasions. A sweet and simple baked dish comprised of layers of thin bread dough together with chopped nuts in between and then drizzled with sweet syrup.

In this day and age, Baklava has become a favorite staple dessert in most Mediterranean restaurants as well as ones that cater to more global flavors. Furthermore, it has also experienced a few inventive twists and add-ons along the way. Below is a recipe that will surely tickle your sweet tooth, rich or poor!

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If you haven't tried Baklava, you're missing out! Recipe here.

The Gourmandize Team

  • 12
  • Average
  • 10 mins
  • 45 mins
  • 60 mins
  • Average budget

Ingredients

  • FOR THE ROLLS
  • 1. 1 pack of Fillo Dough, thawed
  • 2. 1 cup of coarsely grinded walnuts
  • 3. 1/3 cup of finely grinded pistachio
  • 4. 1 teaspoon of Orange Blossom Water
  • 5. 1/3 lb of sweet/unsalted butter, melted
  • 6. 2 teaspoons of sugar
  • 7. Optional: A tiny hint of nutmeg powder, ground cloves and ground cardamom
  • FOR THE CITRUS SUGAR SYRUP
  • 1. 1 cup of sugar
  • 2. 3/4 cup of water
  • 3. 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice
  • 4. 1 teaspoon of Orange Blossom Water
  • FOR THE SWEET ENDING
  • 1. Vanilla Ice Cream
  • 2. Blueberry Syrup
  • 3. Mint Leaf

Preparation

Step 1

FIRST, MAKE THE STUFFING:

• Mix the ground walnuts and pistachio with 2 teaspoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of regular Orange Blossom Water.

Step 2

PREPARE THE ROLLS:

• Place one sheet of thawed fillo dough on a cutting board then lightly brush it with melted butter.
• Repeat the process by placing 3 more fillo dough sheets on top of one another while buttering each sheet prior to placing the next one.
• Add 4-5 teaspoons of the Baklava Stuffing along the width of the dough.
• Roll tightly until the thickness of the roll is about 3/4th of an inch.
• Cut along the roll to separate it from the leftover fillo dough sheet, which could be used for another roll.
• Cut the Baklava roll into a few pieces, about 4 inches each
• Place in a buttered baking tray and brush rolls one last time with a bit of butter.
• Bake in oven at 350 degrees for about 30 minutes.

Step 3

WHILE THE BAKLAVE IS BAKING, PREPARE THE CITRUS SUGAR SYRUP:

• Mix 1 cup of sugar with 3/4 cup of water, place in a pot on medium heat stirring occasionally.
• Once it starts to boil add the lemon juice
• Lower the heat to the min and let simmer for 10-15 minutes.
• Once done, add the Orange Blossom Water at the end and let it rest and cool. Set aside.

Step 4

FOR THE SWEET ENDING:
• After the Baklava is baked and while it’s still hot, pour a few tablespoons of the Citrus Sugar Syrup all over the rolls, make sure the dough absorbs it
• Sprinkle a few more nuts on top. Let rest and cool for 45 minutes to 1 hour before serving.
• Serve on top of a scoop of Vanilla Ice cream; add drizzle of Blueberry syrup and garnish with Mint leaves.

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**The color of perfectly cooked baklava dough should be light brown or golden. Be careful not too over bake as the taste can change.

** Stored in an airtight container, Baklava will keep for 2-3 weeks.

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