Baklava with Cheese and Eggs – Recipe and Preparation Method

Baklava with Cheese and Eggs – Recipe and Preparation Method

Baklava with cheese and eggs is a delicious appetizer that can be served for breakfast or as a main dish for Suhoor during Ramadan. This dish is distinguished by its unique flavor and nutritional benefits, as it is rich in vitamins and high in calories, providing the body with energy for a long period after consumption. It is easy to prepare and takes about 40 minutes to cook.

Main Ingredients for Baklava with Cheese and Eggs:

• ¼ cup melted butter
• ¼ cup sunflower oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• 1 pack of phyllo pastry sheets

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups crumbled ricotta cheese
• 2 cups crumbled feta cheese
• 8 large eggs
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ cup green olives, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup black olives, thinly sliced

Preparation Method:

1. Prepare the Baking Dish:

   • Start by preparing a rectangular baking dish by greasing it generously with melted butter using a wide brush. Set it aside for later use.

2. Mix Butter and Oil:

   • In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and sunflower oil. Stir well with a spoon and set aside.

3. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, feta cheese, eggs, crushed red pepper, oregano, basil, ground cinnamon, cumin, and sliced green and black olives. Whisk well with a fork for a few minutes until the eggs are well beaten and all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.

4. Assemble the Baklava:

   • In the prepared baking dish, place two sheets of phyllo pastry, making sure they cover the bottom of the dish and extend up the sides slightly. Brush them with the butter and oil mixture, and sprinkle some sesame seeds over the top.
   • Repeat the process with half of the phyllo sheets, layering and brushing each layer with the butter and oil mixture.

5. Add the Filling:

   • Pour the cheese and egg filling over the layered phyllo sheets in the baking dish, spreading it evenly.

6. Top with Remaining Phyllo:

   • Layer the remaining phyllo sheets over the filling, repeating the brushing and sprinkling process until all the sheets are used. Brush the top layer with the remaining butter and oil mixture and sprinkle with the remaining sesame seeds.

7. Bake:

   • Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the baking dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

8. Serve:

   • Remove the baklava from the oven and cut it into squares while still hot. Serve immediately.

Enjoy this savory twist on traditional baklava with the rich flavors of cheese and eggs!