Bakalawa bil jibna – Classic
This is the traditional, time-tested version of the dish. It stays true to its origins, using well-established techniques and ingredients that define its authentic flavor. A perfect starting point for exploring its evolution.
Country: 
Libya Servings: Serves 8
Libya Servings: Serves 8Bakalawa bil jibna, a cherished pastry from Libya, embodies the marriage of Middle Eastern culinary tradition and Mediterranean flair. This exquisite dessert brings together layers of flaky pastry filled with a blend of mildly sweetened cheese. Originating from the fusion of Ottoman influences in North Africa, this Libyan variant stands out with its unique use of cheese, offering a comforting contrast to the syrupy sweetness typical of baklawa. The result is a richly textured dessert that is both indulgent and uniquely satisfying.
Ingredients
- Phyllo dough – 16 sheets
- Unsalted butter – 1 cup / 227 g, melted
- Mixed nuts (walnuts, pistachios) – 1 1/2 cups / 150 g, finely chopped
- White cheese (such as feta) – 1 cup / 150 g, crumbled
- Honey – 3/4 cup / 255 g
- Sugar – 1/2 cup / 100 g
- Water – 1/2 cup / 120 ml
- Lemon juice – 1 tbsp / 15 ml
- Cinnamon – 1 tsp / 2.6 g
- Cardamom powder – 1/2 tsp / 1 g
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Brush a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter.
- Layer 8 sheets of phyllo dough in the dish, brushing each sheet with butter.
- Mix the nuts, cheese, and cardamom in a bowl.
- Spread the nut-cheese mixture evenly over the layered phyllo.
- Layer the remaining phyllo sheets on top, brushing each with butter.
- Cut the assembled pastry into squares or diamonds.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, honey, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes.
- Pour the hot syrup over the baked pastry. Let it soak in for at least 2 hours.
Substitutions
- White cheese -> Ricotta cheese
- Mixed nuts -> Almonds
- Honey -> Maple syrup
Enhancements in the Next Evolution
- Add rose water or orange blossom water for aromatic enhancement.
- Use clarified butter for a nuttier flavor.
- Consider a dusting of powdered sugar on top after baking
Curious to see how this dish evolves? Discover refined flavors and enhanced techniques in the next version.
