Different types of baklava

This article makes an effort to describe the various varieties of different baklava pieces that may be found today. Traditional baklava, Borma, Basma, Ballorieh, Asabi (Fingers), Bokaj, Basima, Kol Weshkor (Roses), Iswara (Bracelets), and Ish El Bolbol (Bird’s Nest) are all described in detail.

Assorted Baklava

In the Middle East, assorted baklava—also known as Arabic sweets, Middle Eastern sweets, or Lebanese sweets—includes a wide range of treats that are all created from dough that has been filled with nuts. Although the original version of classic baklava, which consists of roasted nuts sandwiched between thin layers of phyllo dough, is the most well-liked in the west, it is one of the least popular types among the others in the east.

Below is a description of each type:

The original baklava consisted of thin layers of pastry dough layered with roasted pistachios, walnuts, or a mixture of pine nuts and cashews.

The Arabic term “Borma,” which meaning “round,” is derived from another Arabic word. Due to its rounded shape, it has such name. It is constructed of crunchy strings of dough wound around either chopped pistachios or a mix of pine nuts kernels and cashews. One of the sweetest varieties of baklava is this one.

Basma: A special Kenafeh dough made in Lebanon that is topped and bottom with a blend of pine nut and cashew kernels.

Ballorieh: The word Ballorieh is derived from an Arabic word that means “bright”. It is termed as such because of its brilliant white colour. A pistachio filling layered between two layers of stringy bread crust. It is the favorate variety of baklava among pistachio fans.

Asabi (Fingers): Asabi is the Arabic term meaning “Fingers”. It is named as such because of its shape that mimics a person’s fingers. It is constructed of pistachios or a combination of pine nuts and cashews placed inside pastry dough curled in the shape of fingers.

Bokaj: Either pistachios or a mix of pine nuts kernels and cashews nested inside pastry dough in the shape of a bird’s nest.

Basima: The Arabic term “Basima” is derived from an Arabic word that means “smile”. It is made with kenafeh dough covered from top and bottom semi-chopped pistachios then baked and decorated with almonds, pistachios, and pine nuts. It is regarded the richest among all forms of baklava.

Kol Weshkor (Roses): “Kol Weshkor” is Lebanese meaning “Taste and be Thankful”. It is constructed with either pistachios or a blend of pine nuts kernels and cashews placed inside pastry dough.

Iswara (bracelets): The word “Iswara” is the Lebanese word for “bracelet”. It is constructed of either crushed pistachios or a mix of crushed pine nuts kernels and cashews placed inside pastry dough and folded in a circular shape like a bracelet.

Ish El Bolbol: “Ish El Bolbol” is Lebanese meaning “bird’s nest”. It is comprised of stringy dough wrapped around either pistachios or pine nuts kernels and delicately fried.

The above list can come as a surprise to many who are only familiar with the classic baklava also called original baklava. Original baklava has grown popular in the western world for many years now, while the rest of the various baklava family members have been just lately introduced in the United States.

For more information on various Baklava or to order online, visit Bohsali Sweets. This Arabic sweets producer delivers superior items from Lebanon.