New Mexican Baklava

Recipe

New Mexican Baklava

Spicy Pecan Baklava with Green Chile Honey

4.8 out of 5

In the vibrant cuisine of New Mexico, we have put a unique twist on the classic Turkish dessert, Baklava. Our New Mexican Baklava combines the rich flavors of pecans, spicy green chiles, and sweet honey to create a truly unforgettable treat. Get ready to indulge in a fusion of cultures that will delight your taste buds.

Jan Dec
Pastry› Sweet Pastry› Baklava
Asian cuisine› Arab cuisine› Turkish cuisine
Cuisine of the Americas› American cuisine› Southwestern American cuisine› New Mexican cuisine

Preparation time

30 minutes

Cooking time

30-35 minutes

Total time

1 hour 5 minutes

Yields

8 servings

Preparation difficulty

Medium

Suitable for

Vegetarian, Gluten-free (if using gluten-free phyllo pastry), Nut-free (if pecans are substituted with seeds or dried fruits), Dairy-free (if using dairy-free butter substitute), Low sugar (if honey is reduced or substituted with a sugar-free alternative)

Allergens

Nuts (pecans), Wheat (phyllo pastry)

Not suitable for

Vegan (contains honey and butter), Paleo (contains phyllo pastry and honey), Keto (contains phyllo pastry and honey), Low-carb (contains phyllo pastry and honey), High-protein (contains moderate protein content)

Ingredients

While the original Turkish Baklava is known for its layers of phyllo pastry and sweet syrup, our New Mexican adaptation incorporates local ingredients and flavors. We have replaced the traditional nuts with pecans, added spicy green chiles for a kick, and drizzled the Baklava with a honey infused with New Mexican green chiles. We alse have the original recipe for Baklava, so you can check it out.

Nutrition

  • Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
  • Fat: 24g (Saturated Fat: 6g)
  • Carbohydrates: 32g (Sugars: 12g)
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

  1. 1.
    Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
  2. 2.
    In a bowl, combine the chopped pecans, melted butter, honey, lime juice, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
  3. 3.
    Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
  4. 4.
    Place 6 sheets of phyllo pastry in the baking dish, brushing each sheet with melted butter before adding the next.
  5. 5.
    Spread half of the pecan mixture evenly over the phyllo pastry.
  6. 6.
    Layer the remaining 6 sheets of phyllo pastry on top, brushing each sheet with melted butter.
  7. 7.
    Spread the remaining pecan mixture over the top layer of phyllo pastry.
  8. 8.
    Using a sharp knife, cut the Baklava into diamond or square shapes.
  9. 9.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown.
  10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes.
  11. 11.
    Drizzle the green chile honey over the Baklava.
  12. 12.
    Allow the Baklava to cool completely before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

  • Pecans — Make sure to finely chop the pecans for a more even texture in the Baklava.
  • Green chile honey — If you can't find green chile honey, you can make your own by infusing honey with diced green chiles. Adjust the amount of chiles according to your desired level of spiciness.

Tips & Tricks

  • To prevent the phyllo pastry from drying out, cover it with a damp cloth while working with it.
  • For an extra kick of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes over the pecan mixture before layering the phyllo pastry.
  • If you prefer a sweeter Baklava, increase the amount of honey in the pecan mixture.

Serving advice

Serve the New Mexican Baklava at room temperature or slightly warmed. It pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a drizzle of extra green chile honey for an added touch of flavor.

Presentation advice

Arrange the diamond or square-shaped Baklava pieces on a serving platter, allowing the layers to be visible. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color.

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