The next time you visit your local taverna for authentic Greek food, try rounding out your order with a piece of baklava. Made with a flaky pastry, chopped nuts, and honey or sugar syrup, this dessert is rich in both flavor and history. With its current form dating back to the Ottoman Empire, baklava has made its way through the centuries and has remained a favorite in Greek cuisine right up to the present day.

There are many proposed ancestors to baklava as it is known today. One possible contributor is the Roman placenta cake, a dish of layered dough, cheese, and honey which was additionally flavored with bay leaves. This cake would have made its way through Byzantine cuisine to later inspire the cooks of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul. However, it is also possible that baklava can be traced back to Turkic layered breads, or to a Persian dish called lauzinaq which may or may not have resembled the modern pastry.

While trade and multi-directional cultural influences make the history of baklava difficult to track, it was clearly a popular dish. Many cultural traditions claim its invention and continue to make it to this day. It has also played a significant role in cultural and religious celebrations—for instance, during the Ottoman Empire, the Sultan made ceremonial gifts of baklava to the Jannissaries, which was an elite infantry force of troops who served in the Sultan's household and as a personal guard.

Because baklava has made its way through so many nations and traditions, there are several variations on the theme. It has been made with almonds, pistachios, walnuts, hazelnuts, or a combination; seasoned with cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, or rose water; and served with ice cream or with a clotted cream product called kaymak. In Greek cuisine, it is traditional to prepare baklava with 33 layers of pastry as a reference to the life of Christ. Each variation brings its own flavor and texture to this beloved dish.

When you enjoy Greek cuisine, you're taking part in a tradition which has been passed down through centuries. Baklava is just one example of this history—but it's a delicious one everyone enjoys.

Yia Yia's- Homemade Greek Food in New York, NY, offers authentic Greek cuisine. Enjoy their handmade baklava along with a wide selection of soups, salads, sandwiches, and traditional dishes. For questions, or to arrange catering, call them at (212) 545-1210, or send a message through their website.