Rose and Pistachio Baklava

Baklava is a classic Middle Eastern dessert made from layers of filo dough, nuts, and honey. This recipe for Rose and Pistachio Baklava adds a touch of floral sweetness with rose water. The result is a rich, nutty, and aromatic treat that's perfect for any special occasion.

Baklava has a long and storied history, dating back to the Ottoman Empire. The earliest known recipes for baklava date back to the 15th century, and the dish has since become popular throughout the Middle East and beyond. There are many different variations on baklava, but the basic ingredients remain the same: filo dough, nuts, and honey. Our recipe for Rose and Pistachio Baklava is a modern take on this classic dessert. We've added rose water to the honey syrup, which gives the baklava a delicate floral flavor. We've also used a combination of walnuts and pistachios for a nutty flavor that's both rich and complex.

Prep time: 30 | Cook time: 30 | Serves: 8

Ingredients

• Filo dough (1 package)
• Unsalted butter, melted (1/2 cup)
• Chopped walnuts (1 cup)
• Chopped pistachios (1 cup)
• Sugar (1 cup)
• Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)
• Rose water (1/4 cup)
• Honey (1/2 cup)

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush a 9x13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
3. Place a sheet of filo dough in the bottom of the dish, and brush with melted butter.
4. Repeat layers of filo dough and butter until half of the filo dough is used.
5. In a small bowl, combine walnuts, pistachios, sugar, and cinnamon.
6. Sprinkle half of the nut mixture over the filo dough.
7. Top with remaining filo dough sheets, and brush with melted butter.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

Why It Works

• The combination of walnuts and pistachios gives the baklava a nutty flavor that's both rich and complex.
• The rose water adds a delicate floral flavor to the honey syrup.
• The baklava is baked until golden brown, which gives it a crispy exterior and a chewy interior.