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Authentic Algerian Baklava Recipe: 1 Flaky Layered Pastry
Rebiai min eat

Authentic Algerian Baklava Recipe

Traditional Algerian layered pastry filled with spiced almonds and walnuts, soaked in orange blossom honey syrup.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 24 pieces
Course: Dessert, Pastry
Cuisine: algerian, Mediterranean, البحر المتوسط, الجزائر
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup melted clarified butter Smen or ghee
  • 1 egg
  • Pinch of salt
  • Water and Orange blossom water for knead & syrup
  • Cornstarch for rolling dough
  • 3 cups blanched ground almonds
  • 1 cup ground walnuts
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 cups pure honey
  • Whole almonds for garnish

Method
 

  1. Knead flour, melted ghee, egg, salt, and orange blossom water into a smooth dough. Rest for 30 minutes.
  2. Mix ground nuts, sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of orange blossom water.
  3. Divide dough into 14 portions and roll each portion paper-thin using cornstarch.
  4. Layer 7 buttered sheets in a tray, spread nut filling, then cover with remaining 7 buttered sheets.
  5. Cut into diamonds, place an almond on each piece, and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 50 minutes.
  6. Drench hot baklava with warm honey syrup immediately and let rest overnight before serving.

Notes

 
The Rest Period (Crucial): For the absolute best results, allow the baked baklava to rest at room temperature for at least 12 to 24 hours after pouring the honey syrup. This resting phase allows the thin pastry layers to thoroughly absorb the honey without becoming soggy.
Cornstarch is Key: Always use cornstarch (maizena) rather than flour when rolling out the dough layers. Cornstarch absorbs surface moisture and creates that distinctive, ultra-crispy, micro-layered puff effect during baking.
Storage & Shelf Life: Store your cut baklava in an airtight container at room temperature. Thanks to the natural preserving qualities of honey and clarified butter, it stays fresh, sweet, and crisp for up to 3–4 weeks.
Nutrition (Per Serving - Based on 24 Pieces):
Calories: 285 kcal
Carbohydrates: 34 g
Protein: 5.2 g
Fat: 15.5 g
Saturated Fat: 4.1 g
Sodium: 28 mg
Potassium: 142 mg
Fiber: 2.1 g
Sugar: 19.8 g
Calcium: 38 mg
Iron: 1.2 mg