Pistachio Bird Nest Baklava

5 from 4 votes

This delicious Bird Nest Baklava is made with finely shredded phyllo dough, filled with pistachios and baked to a golden brown color then soaked with simple syrup.

Prep Time 30

Cook Time 30

Course Dessert

Cuisine Lebanese

Servings 56 Pieces

Pieces

Ingredients

▢ 16 oz. kataifi shredded phyllo dough thawed
▢ ¾ cup ghee melted
▢ ½ cup whole pistachios preferably raw or roasted
▢ ¾ cup simple syrup
▢ 2 tbsps crushed pistachio optional for garnishing

Instructions

Thaw the dough the night before in your fridge or couple of hours are room temp before starting.
First, prepare the Simple Syrup so that it cools down before the nests are baked.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
To assemble the bird nest, pull a 1/2 inch thick string of dough and fold with your fingers in the center, forming a nest shape. Make sure you leave enough room in the center to add at least 4-5 pistachios.
Repeat this procedure to form the rest of the nests. Add them to the pan as you go. You will need only half the dough to make enough for a 9x11 inch pan.
When you are done forming all the nests, add 4-5 pieces of pistachios into each nest.
In a measuring cup, measure 3/4 cup of ghee. Place them in the microwave and melt it (about 30 seconds) or do it on your stovetop over low heat.
Pour over the melted ghee carefully onto each nest. You can also use a spoon to do so evenly if you like.
Bake in a preheated 375 F oven, for 30 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Baking time will vary per oven, so keep an eye on them. Always place the tray in them middle rack.
When the nests are golden brown, remove them from the oven and pour 3/4-1 cup (depending on how sweet you want them) of simple syrup evenly over the nests.
Completely before serving. Transfer them to a platter when ready to serve.

Notes

Always prepare the simple syrup ahead of time.
Use a preheated oven.
Thaw the dough in the fridge the night before, or on the counter a couple of hours before.
Keep the nests same size so that they cook evenly.
Use raw whole pistachios if you can get your hand on them. If not use roasted ones.
Add or reduce the amount of simple syrup based on your preference.
Do not over cook the nests, you want them to be golden brown not too brown, just like the photos.

Nutrition

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