Baklava Delight: A Vegetarian-Friendly Twist on the Classic Turkish Dessert

Allergens

Nuts (walnuts, almonds)

Ingredients

• 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 cup chopped almonds 2 cups granulated sugar 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tbsp orange zest 6 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced 1 lb phyllo dough, thawed 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 2 cups water 1 1/2 cups white sugar 2 tbsp lemon juice Ground cinnamon, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and set aside. In a large bowl, combine chopped walnuts and almonds with 1 cup of sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and orange zest. Mix well to coat nuts evenly. Arrange apple slices in the prepared baking dish, forming a single layer. Unroll phyllo dough onto a clean surface. Brush each sheet with melted butter, then stack them, layering 5 sheets at a time on top of the apples, making sure to cover the entire dish. Sprinkle the nut mixture evenly over the layers of phyllo dough. Combine water and white sugar in a saucepan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Carefully pour the warm syrup over the top layer of phyllo dough. Bake for 30 40 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from oven and let cool for about 1 hour before cutting into squares. Dust with ground cinnamon to garnish before serving.

Chef’s Insight

The balance of sweetness from sugar and the slight tartness from lemon juice brings out the best in this classic dessert, while apples add a delightful twist.

Notes

Feel free to add more apple slices or nuts for added texture and flavor.