This Low-Carb Baklava Braid has the sweet honey-walnut and spice flavors of Baklava. However, this recipe is low enough in carbs, that it can be part of a low-carb, keto, diabetic, gluten-free, grain-free, or Banting diet.
Preheat oven to 350º Fahrenheit. Have two sheets of parchment about 20 inches long and a rolling pin available. Place one of the parchment sheets on a large cutting board or similar surface.
Place walnuts, stevia/erythritol blend, cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves in a food processor.
Pulse food processor until nuts are very finely chopped and mixture is blended. Set aside.
In a small saucepan, whisk together the stevia/erythritol blend and the xanthan gum. Slowly stream in the water while continuing to whisk. Whisk in the VitaFiber syrup and the lemon zest. Drop in the clove.
Place the saucepan over low heat. Bring mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat, stir in honey flavoring and set aside.
In a large heavy saucepan, whisk together the almond flour, stevia/erythritol blend, xanthan gum, and baking powder.
Add the egg and whisk in. Stir in the mozzarella cheese.
Place mixture over low heat. Heat, stirring frequently, until cheese melts and mixture forms a dough.
Turn out dough onto the parchment covered cutting board. Pat into a rectangle.
Cover the dough with the second sheet of parchment. Roll into a 15 inch by 10 inch rectangle.
Cut slanting strips, about 1 inch apart on each long side about 1/3 of the way in. Be sure to cut the same number of strips on both sides.
Spread melted butter over the center third of the dough.
Spoon the walnut mixture over the melted butter. Create a trench in the top of the walnut mixture and spoon all but about 1 tablespoon of the syrup in the trench.
Cut off the bottom and top corners of the dough. Fold the bottom and top flaps over the filling.
Fold the strips over the filling, alternating sides.
Tuck the last two strips under the top. Transfer the pastry to a baking sheet by lifting it with the parchment paper.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from oven. Brush the remaining tablespoon of the syrup over the top of the pastry. This adds a beautiful sheen. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 12 slices. Serve warm.
Serving size: 1 slice (with braid cut into 12 slices)
Per serving:
Calories: 226
Fat (g): 19
Carbs (g): 6
Fiber (g): 3
Protein (g): 10
Net carbs (g): 3
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