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Recipe Card

Mediterranean-Style Baklava
Mediterranean, Vegetarian, Lacto-Ovo-Vegetarian, Flexitarian, Pescatarian, Noom, OMAD-Diet, CSIRO-Flexi, 5-2-Diet
Traditional Oriental pastry dessert with Mediterranean accents

Preparation Time
Preparation Time: 20 min
Cooking Time: 35 min
Ready in: 55 min
Servings: 16 small squares

Cuisine
Cuisine: Azerbaijani, Turkish, Persian, Greek, Arabic

Ingredients
  • Phyllo Dough: 10-12 sheets (whole wheat if available)
  • Nuts: 1.5 cups mixed nuts (walnuts, almonds, pistachios), finely chopped
  • Olive Oil: 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)
  • Cinnamon: 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Cardamom (optional): 1/2 tsp ground cardamom
  • Honey Syrup:
    • 1/2 cup raw honey
    • 1/2 cup water
    • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
    • 1 tsp orange zest (optional for citrusy flavor)
    • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease a small baking dish with olive oil.
  3. Prepare the nut mixture: In a bowl, mix chopped nuts, cinnamon, and cardamom.
  4. Layer the phyllo dough:
    • Place 2 sheets of phyllo in the dish, brushing each lightly with olive oil.
    • Add a thin layer of nut mixture.
    • Repeat until all nuts and phyllo layers are used. Top with 2 sheets of phyllo, brushing the final layer with oil.
  5. Cut into diamonds or squares before baking.
  6. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden and crisp.
  7. Make the honey syrup:
    • In a saucepan, heat honey, water, lemon juice, orange zest, and vanilla over low heat for 5 minutes.
    • Let it cool slightly.
    • Pour syrup over the hot baklava and let it soak for at least 2 hours before serving.
  8. Serve and Enjoy this healthy, Mediterranean-style baklava!
Nutrition Info (per serving)
  • Serving Size: 2 pieces (30 g)
  • Calories: 160 kcal
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 30mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 17g
  • Sugars: 6g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Calcium: 5mg
  • Iron: 0.5mg
  • Potassium: 33mg
Tips, Notes & Alternatives
Why this recipe is Mediterranean Diet-Friendly:
  • Uses olive oil instead of butter.
  • Sweetened with honey instead of refined sugar.
  • Rich in nuts for heart-healthy fats.
  • Infused with cinnamon & cardamom, both anti-inflammatory spices.
  • Credits: Multi-cultural Recipe
  • Reference URL: