Saleh’s Plate · By Saleh Alkhalifa

Classic Middle-Eastern Pistachio Baklava

Cook Classic Middle-Eastern Pistachio Baklava with Saleh’s Plate.

Ingredients

Baklava Layers

  • 1 package (16 oz) phyllo dough, thawed
  • 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups (250g) finely chopped pistachios

Syrup

  • 1 cup (200g) sugar
  • ½ cup (120ml) water
  • ½ cup (170g) honey
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp orange blossom water (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in honey and orange blossom water. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush a baking dish with melted butter. Layer 10 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each with butter. Evenly spread half the chopped pistachios. Add another 10 sheets of phyllo, brushing each with butter. Spread the remaining pistachios, then top with another 10 buttered phyllo sheets.
  3. Use a sharp knife to cut the baklava into squares or diamonds. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown.
  4. Pour cooled syrup over hot baklava. Let soak for at least 4 hours. Garnish with extra crushed pistachios and serve.