What Is the Best Type of Nut to Use for Baklava?
Baklava is a delicious treat that you will find in the cuisines of many different cultures. Because of this, there are several different ways it can be prepared. There are some ingredients it will always contain: filo pastry, some form of sweetener (honey in our case), and of course, nuts. But what kind of nuts you use for your baklava is entirely up to you.
Whether you want to buy baklava or make your own, you'll need to choose what type of nut you think works best. This blog aims to help you do just that. Read on to learn some of the best nuts to use in your next baklava recipe.
A History of Baklava
The reason there is such a variation on what nuts are used in baklava is that each country that makes it has its own take on the dish. This earliest iteration of this dessert is widely believed to date back to the Assyrian Empire over 1000 years ago.
The version we know and love today is thought to have originated in the Ottoman Empire, which ruled and influenced many other countries. Today, you'll find baklava in Central Asia, the Balkans, the Middle East, and the South Caucasus, as well as in Turkey and Greece.
Several countries have their own unique spin on the dessert. For example, in Azerbaijan, milled clove, cardamom, and saffron are usually added. Meanwhile, in Iran and Lebanon, the dish is often flavoured with rosewater.
Baklava Ingredients: Which Nut Is Best?
There are many different nuts that can be used to make baklava—walnuts and pistachios are common choices. However, in various other countries, almonds, hazelnuts, and cashews are also used. Often, two or more nuts are mixed together for a more unique taste and texture.
If you are making baklava, you can decide for yourself which type of nut you would like to use. Each type of nut, of course, has a subtly different taste and will bring something new to the dish. You may also find one nut makes a better flavour pairing over another if you're planning to add some spices or flavour to your baklava.
If you're making or buying baklava for the first time, you may want to try one that has a mix of different nuts. This will give you to experience different flavours and see which ones you feel work best.
You can mix whichever nuts you prefer. A good combination to start off with is pistachio, walnut and cashew. These nuts have textures and flavours different enough that you'll be able to pick them out within a dish, but they still complement each other well.
Buy Baklava Online Today
If all of this talk about this sweet treat has your mouth watering, buy not buy baklava now? Our mixed nut baklava features a gorgeous blend of walnuts, pistachios and cashews, gently sweetened with honey.
It's the perfect treat to enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee, and it also makes a wonderful gift. Order your baklava delivery now!