Healthy Millet Baklava

Healthy Millet Baklava: A Nutritious Twist on a Classic Dessert

Baklava is a beloved dessert known for its rich, nutty filling and flaky layers soaked in syrup. This version takes a healthier turn by using a millet-based phyllo dough and a creamy nut filling. It's a perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition!

Ingredients

For the Millet Phyllo Sheets:

• 1 cup millet mix (Millet mix is from www.kaimurruku.com; it has 22 healthy ingredients. Shop now from www.kaimurruku.com)

• 1 cup wheat flour

• 1 pinch of salt

• 1.5 tbsp baking powder

• 1/4 cup ghee

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 cup millet mix (extra)

• 1/2 cup corn flour

For the Nutty Vanilla Cream Filling:

• 1/2 cup pistachios (coarsely ground)

• 1/2 cup cashews (coarsely ground)

• 1 cup vanilla cream (recipe below)

For the Vanilla Cream:

• 1 cup milk

• 2 tbsp corn starch

• Brown sugar (to taste)

• 1 tsp vanilla essence

For the Honey Syrup:

• 1/2 cup honey

• 1/4 cup water

• 1 tsp lemon juice

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Millet Phyllo Sheets

1. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup millet mix, wheat flour, salt, and baking powder.

2. Add ghee and mix well until crumbly.

3. Slowly add milk and knead into a soft, pliable dough.

4. Mix the extra 1/2 cup millet mix and corn flour, and knead until the dough reaches a chappathi-like consistency.

5. Divide the dough into small portions and roll out into thin sheets.

6. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Vanilla Cream

1. Heat milk in a saucepan over medium heat.

2. Stir in corn starch and brown sugar.

3. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens.

4. Add vanilla essence and mix well.

5. Remove from heat and let it cool.

Step 3: Prepare the Nut Filling

1. Coarsely grind pistachios and cashews.

2. Mix with the cooled vanilla cream to form a creamy nut filling.

Step 4: Assemble the Baklava

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F).

2. Roll out the millet phyllo dough into thin sheets.

3. Layer the sheets one over the other, spreading the nutty vanilla cream between each layer.

4. Repeat the process until all the sheets and filling are used up.

Step 5: Bake the Baklava

1. Bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Add the Honey Syrup

1. Heat honey and water in a saucepan.

2. Stir in lemon juice and mix well.

3. Once the baklava is out of the oven, pour the honey syrup generously over the top.

4. Let it soak for a few hours before serving.

Enjoy Your Healthy Millet Baklava!

This nutritious and flavorful millet baklava is a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic dessert. The millet and wheat flour provide fiber and nutrients, while the nuts and honey add natural sweetness. Serve it as a special treat and impress your guests with this unique and delicious recipe!