“Baklava: A Sweet, Nutty, and Controversial Treat”
Baklava is a sweet and nutty treat that people have enjoyed for centuries. But one question often arises: where did this delicious dessert come from? Is it Greek or Turkish? The answer is more complex than one might think.
Baklava is a pastry with layers of phyllo dough, sweet syrup, and a mixture of chopped nuts. It is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire and was brought to Greece by the Ottoman Turks during their occupation of Greece. However, there are also claims that the pastry has been part of Greek cuisine for a long time and was adopted and modified by the Ottoman Turks.
Regardless of its origin, it is clear that people from Greece and Turkey have enjoyed baklava for centuries. In Greece, baklava is often made with a mixture of chopped almonds and cinnamon, while in Turkey, it is more commonly made with chopped walnuts and often sweetened with honey rather than syrup.
Aside from the choice of nuts, there are variations of baklava found in other regions. In Cyprus, for example, baklava is made with sesame seeds instead of nuts, while in Iran, baklava is made with pistachios and flavored with rosewater.
When it comes to the nuts used in baklava, the options are nearly endless. Some of the most commonly used nuts include almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pecans, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts. Each type of nut gives the pastry its unique flavor and texture, making it a versatile treat that can be customized to suit individual tastes.
While the origin of baklava is still up for debate, one thing is sure: this sweet, nutty treat has been enjoyed by people from different cultures and regions for centuries. Whether you prefer it made with almonds and cinnamon or with pistachios and rosewater, there's no denying that baklava is a delicious and beloved pastry that will always have a place in our hearts (and stomachs!).
Sources:
"Baklava." The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets, edited by Darra Goldstein, Oxford University Press, 2015.
"Baklava." Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., www.britannica.com/topic/baklava.
"Baklava: Origin, History, and Recipe." The Spruce Eats, www.thespruceeats.com/baklava-recipe-1705386.
