Soulful Sweet Potato Baklava

Ingredients

While the original Turkish Baklava is made with layers of phyllo pastry, nuts, and a sweet syrup, this soul food adaptation incorporates sweet potato as a key ingredient. The addition of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhances the flavors, giving it a distinct Southern twist. We alse have the original recipe for Baklava, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (470ml) mashed sweet potatoes 2 cups (470ml) mashed sweet potatoes
• 1 cup (235ml) melted butter 1 cup (235ml) melted butter
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar 1 cup (200g) brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 package (16 ounces) phyllo pastry sheets 1 package (16 ounces) phyllo pastry sheets
• 2 cups (240g) chopped pecans 2 cups (240g) chopped pecans
• 1 cup (240ml) honey 1 cup (240ml) honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 18g (total), 6g (saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 45g (total), 30g (sugars)
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large bowl, combine the mashed sweet potatoes, melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix well until all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. 3.
   Grease a baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
4. 4.
   Lay a sheet of phyllo pastry in the baking dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process, layering the phyllo sheets and brushing each layer with butter until you have used half of the phyllo sheets.
5. 5.
   Spread half of the sweet potato mixture evenly over the layered phyllo sheets.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle half of the chopped pecans over the sweet potato layer.
7. 7.
   Layer the remaining phyllo sheets on top, brushing each layer with butter as before.
8. 8.
   Spread the remaining sweet potato mixture over the phyllo sheets, followed by the remaining chopped pecans.
9. 9.
   Cut the baklava into diamond or square shapes using a sharp knife.
10. 10.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until the baklava is golden brown and crispy.
11. 11.
    While the baklava is baking, prepare the syrup by combining the honey and vanilla extract in a small saucepan. Heat over low heat until the mixture is warm and well combined.
12. 12.
    Once the baklava is out of the oven, immediately pour the warm honey syrup over it, ensuring it is evenly distributed.
13. 13.
    Allow the baklava to cool completely before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sweet potatoes — Choose sweet potatoes that are firm and free from blemishes. Boil or bake them until they are soft and easily mashed.
• Phyllo pastry — Keep the phyllo pastry sheets covered with a damp cloth while working with them to prevent them from drying out.
• Pecans — Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor before chopping and using them in the recipe.
• Honey — Use high-quality honey for the best flavor. If desired, you can substitute maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
• Vanilla extract — Opt for pure vanilla extract for the best taste.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispy baklava, make sure to brush each layer of phyllo pastry with melted butter generously.
• Allow the baklava to cool completely before pouring the honey syrup over it to ensure it absorbs the syrup evenly.
• For a variation, you can add a sprinkle of orange zest or a splash of orange juice to the sweet potato mixture for a citrusy twist.
• Serve the baklava warm or at room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
• Leftover baklava can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Serving advice

Serve the Soulful Sweet Potato Baklava as a delightful dessert after a soul food feast. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgence. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few pecan halves for an elegant presentation.

Presentation advice

Arrange the diamond or square-shaped baklava pieces on a serving platter, allowing the layers and sweet potato filling to be visible. Drizzle any remaining honey syrup over the top for a glossy finish. Serve with a side of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a visually appealing dessert.