Caribbean Baklava

Ingredients

While the original Turkish Baklava is traditionally made with phyllo dough, this Caribbean adaptation replaces it with a combination of puff pastry and shredded coconut. The filling is enhanced with the addition of tropical fruits such as mango and pineapple, giving it a refreshing and exotic twist. We alse have the original recipe for Baklava, so you can check it out.

• 1 package of puff pastry sheets (400g) 1 package of puff pastry sheets (400g)
• 1 cup (100g) shredded coconut 1 cup (100g) shredded coconut
• 1 cup (150g) mixed nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios), finely chopped 1 cup (150g) mixed nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios), finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 1/4 cup (60ml) honey 1/4 cup (60ml) honey
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup (75g) dried mango, chopped 1/2 cup (75g) dried mango, chopped
• 1/2 cup (75g) dried pineapple, chopped 1/2 cup (75g) dried pineapple, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Zest of 1 lime Zest of 1 lime

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 20g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 40g (Sugars: 20g)
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Thaw the puff pastry sheets according to the package instructions.
3. 3.
   In a bowl, combine the shredded coconut, mixed nuts, dried mango, dried pineapple, ground cinnamon, and lime zest. Mix well.
4. 4.
   Lay one sheet of puff pastry on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
5. 5.
   Brush the pastry sheet with melted butter.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle a generous amount of the coconut and nut mixture evenly over the pastry sheet.
7. 7.
   Place another sheet of puff pastry on top and repeat the process, brushing with butter and adding the coconut and nut mixture.
8. 8.
   Repeat this layering process until all the pastry sheets and filling are used, finishing with a layer of pastry on top.
9. 9.
   Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the layered pastry into diamond or square shapes.
10. 10.
    In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and honey. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar is dissolved.
11. 11.
    Pour the hot syrup evenly over the cut pastry.
12. 12.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
13. 13.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Puff pastry — Ensure the puff pastry sheets are fully thawed before using to prevent them from tearing or breaking.
• Shredded coconut — Use unsweetened shredded coconut for a more natural flavor.
• Mixed nuts — Feel free to use your favorite combination of nuts or adjust the quantities to your preference.
• Dried mango and pineapple — Look for dried fruits that are not overly sweetened or coated in sugar.
• Lime zest — Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lime, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the tropical flavors, you can sprinkle some toasted coconut flakes on top of the baked Baklava before serving.
• If you prefer a sweeter Baklava, you can increase the amount of honey in the syrup.
• Serve the Caribbean Baklava warm with a scoop of coconut or mango sorbet for a truly indulgent dessert.
• If you don't have dried mango or pineapple, you can substitute with other dried tropical fruits like papaya or guava.
• Store any leftover Baklava in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Caribbean Baklava as a dessert after a delicious Caribbean-inspired meal. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a fresh mint leaf for an extra touch of elegance.

Presentation advice

Arrange the diamond or square-shaped Baklava pieces on a serving platter, allowing the layers to be visible. The golden brown color of the pastry and the vibrant tropical fruits will make for an eye-catching presentation.