How Was Baklava Made in Ancient Greece?

Baklava is a sweet pastry that has been enjoyed for centuries in various cultures. Its origin can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was known as “plakous.”

The Greeks made baklava by layering thin sheets of dough with honey and nuts. Let’s take a closer look at how this delicious dessert was made in ancient Greece.

The Ingredients

The ingredients used to make baklava in ancient Greece were simple but essential. The Greeks used flour, water, and olive oil to make the dough.

For the filling, they used chopped nuts such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. Honey was the primary sweetener used to bind the layers of dough and nuts together.

The Dough

The dough used to make baklava in ancient Greece was similar to phyllo dough. Phyllo dough is made by rolling out very thin sheets of pastry until they are almost transparent. The Greeks would roll out the dough until it was paper-thin and then cut it into small squares.

Layering the Baklava

To make the baklava, the Greeks would brush each layer of dough with olive oil before layering it with chopped nuts and honey. They would then repeat this process until they had several layers of dough filled with nuts and honey.

Baking

Once the layers were assembled, the Greeks would bake their baklava in a clay oven called a tannur. The tannur was heated with wood or charcoal until it reached a high temperature. The baklava would be placed inside and baked until golden brown.

Serving Baklava

When the baklava was done baking, it was removed from the oven and allowed to cool before being served. It was often cut into small pieces or diamond shapes and served on special occasions such as weddings or religious festivals. The Greeks would also enjoy baklava with a cup of strong coffee or tea.

Conclusion

Baklava has been enjoyed for centuries, and its origin can be traced back to ancient Greece. The Greeks used simple ingredients like dough, nuts, honey, and olive oil to make this sweet pastry.

By layering the dough with nuts and honey, they created a delicious treat that has stood the test of time. Whether enjoyed on special occasions or as an everyday indulgence, baklava remains a beloved dessert that has captured the hearts of people around the world.