Baklava without lectins is possible! Layers of cinnamon walnuts and pistachios between paper thin cassava pastry doused with honey fragrant sugar free syrup.
Baklava is a special treat enjoyed in many Mediterranean countries. The first time I had this honey, nutty, layered confection was at a Greek festival in Salt Lake City.
Greek baklava tastes like honey. However, in Middle Eastern countries, the syrup is perfumed with orange blossom water. Both are delicious!
Because I can't decide whether I love the honey or the distinct orange blossom version more, I chose to make a hybrid syrup with both flavors.
We lectin free peeps, can't do sugar, so there's just a touch of honey in the syrup. The other sweetness comes from a natural birch sweetener and less sweet prebiotic syrup called FiberYum. I was able to achieve a darn authentic tasting syrup, albeit a little less sweet, with these wonderfully healthy ingredients.
Wanna make baklava? Okay, let's do it!
The Recipe
Lectin Free Gourmet Baklava
1 C Pistachios
1 C Walnuts
1 T Cinnamon
1/4 C FiberYum syrup (Amazon)
1/4 C Xyla
1/4 C Water
1 T Raw Local Honey
2 t Orange Blossom Water (Middle Eastern market)
1/4 C Melted Ghee or Compliant Butter
1 8 ct. Package Siete Cassava Tortillas
Step : Chop Nuts
In a small food processor put walnuts, pistachios and cinnamon. Pulse 7-10 times until coursely chopped. Set aside.
Step 2: Make Syrup
In a small saucepan, bring FiberYum, Xyla, honey and water to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add orange blossom water. Let syrup cool while you assemble your baklava layers.
Step 3: Assemble Baklava Layers
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Keep a small dish of your melted butter and a brush close by for this step. Brush bottom of a round 8 inch pan with melted butter. Place one tortilla on the bottom of the buttered pan. Drizzle the tortilla with butter. Sprinkle about 2 T of the nuts mixture evenly over the buttered tortilla. Repeat the process until one tortilla is left. Place the last tortilla on top and brush with butter, but NO NUTS.
Step 4: Cut Baklava and Bake and Cover with Syrup
Cut the layered baklava into diamond shapes. Place in the 325 degree oven for 25 -30 minutes or until golden brown and crisp. Take out of oven and pour cooled syrup over the hot baklava. Let cool to room temperature before serving.
Makes a great dessert for Christmas or special holidays.
Enjoy!