Low Sodium Islak Baklava

Delight your taste buds with Low Sodium Islak Baklava, a healthier twist on the beloved Turkish dessert. This indulgent recipe features layers of flaky phyllo dough brushed with unsalted butter, encasing a rich filling of finely chopped walnuts, pistachios, and warm cinnamon spice. Baked until irresistibly crisp, it’s then drenched in a homemade honey-infused syrup flavored with fresh lemon juice and aromatic cloves, creating that signature “islak” (wet) texture. Perfect for those seeking a dessert with reduced sodium without compromising on flavor, this baklava is easy to prepare and designed to impress. Serve it at room temperature for a delectable treat that’s ideal for special occasions or everyday indulgence! Keywords: low sodium baklava, islak baklava recipe, Turkish dessert, healthier baklava, no salt dessert.

Nutriscore Rating: 51/100

Prep Time:30 mins

Cook Time:60 mins

Total Time:90 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 12 sheets phyllo dough sheets
• 150 grams unsalted butter
• 200 grams walnuts
• 50 grams pistachios
• 200 grams granulated sugar
• 80 milliliters honey
• 240 milliliters water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• 3 pieces cloves (whole)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

Step 2

Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.

Step 3

In a food processor, pulse the walnuts and pistachios until finely chopped but not powdery, then mix with cinnamon powder.

Step 4

Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a small amount of the melted butter using a pastry brush.

Step 5

Layer 2 sheets of phyllo dough in the baking dish and lightly brush with butter. Repeat this 3 more times, using a total of 8 sheets.

Step 6

Spread half of the nut mixture evenly over the layered phyllo.

Step 7

Place 2 more sheets of phyllo over the nuts, brushing with butter. Add the remaining nut mixture evenly across this layer.

Step 8

Top with the remaining 2 sheets of phyllo, brushing each layer with butter, including the final top layer.

Step 9

With a sharp knife, carefully cut the uncooked baklava into diamond shapes.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

Step 11

While the baklava bakes, prepare the syrup by combining water, granulated sugar, honey, lemon juice, and cloves in a saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove the cloves and allow the syrup to cool.

Step 12

Once the baklava is done baking, remove it from the oven and immediately spoon the cooled syrup evenly over the hot baklava.

Step 13

Let the baklava soak in the syrup for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture.

Step 14

Serve the baklava at room temperature and enjoy this low-sodium treat!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1197.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4396.4

Total Fat 290.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 90.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 101.1g
Cholesterol 332.1mg	0%
Sodium 1414.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 441.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 29.0g	0%
Total Sugars 276.0g
Protein 59.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 334.5mg	0%
Iron 12.8mg	0%
Potassium 1683.9mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 56.6%

Protein: 5.2%

Carbs: 38.2%