Ingredients:
For the Dough:
4 cups all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk-120g
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)-120g
1/4 cup plain yogurt-60g
1/2 teaspoon salt-2.5g
For the Filling:
3 cups finely ground walnuts or mixed nuts
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cardamom-15g
For the Tea Syrup:
black tea seasoning-20g
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup honey
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice-2.5g
For Assembly:
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted, for brushing)
12-15 whole almonds or walnut halves
1 egg yolk (beaten, for brushing)
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and yogurt. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and knead until you have a smooth and elastic dough. Cover the dough with a clean kitchen towel and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix the ground nuts, sugar, and cardamom until well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Make the Tea Syrup
In a small saucepan, combine the black tea seasoning, sugar, honey, and lemon juice. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Simmer for 5 minutes, then set aside to cool.
Step 4: Roll Out the Dough
Divide the dough into 8-10 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin sheet about the size of your baking dish (traditionally a 9x13-inch pan).
Step 5: Assemble the Baklava
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the baking dish with butter. Place one sheet of dough in the pan and brush it with melted butter. Add a layer of the nut filling and spread evenly. Place another sheet of dough on top, brush with butter, and repeat the layering process until all dough and filling are used, ending with a sheet of dough. Brush the top layer generously with melted butter and the beaten egg yolk. Decorate with whole almonds or walnut halves.
Step 6: Cut and Bake
Using a sharp knife, cut the baklava into diamond shapes. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
Step 7: Add the Tea Syrup
Once the baklava is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the cooled tea syrup evenly over the hot baklava. Allow the baklava to absorb the syrup for at least 4-6 hours (or overnight) for the best flavor.
Serve the baklava on a decorative plate. Enjoy the delightful blend of tea-infused sweetness and nutty richness!