The perfect Galaktoboureko recipe

Galaktoboureko is Greece’s famous custard pie made from semolina, layered in crispy pastry, then soaked in a lemon syrup! Everyone has their own tips and tricks to making the perfect Galaktoboureko and today we share famous Greek chef Aki Petretzikis’ version of this all-time favorite traditional Greek dessert!

Ingredients

For syrup

800 g granulated sugar
450 g water
1 stick(s) cinnamon
peel, of 1 lemon
75 g honey

For custard filling

4 eggs
200 g granulated sugar
500 g heavy cream 35%
500 g milk, 3,5%
1 pinch salt
2 vanilla pods
170 g semolina
100 g butter
220 g butter, melted for brushing phyllo
450 g phyllo dough sheets

Method

Combine the sugar, water, cinnamon stick and lemon rind (no pith) in a pot. Place over heat and bring to a boil
As soon as it comes to a boil, mix with a spoon to make sure the sugar has dissolved completely. The mixture should be translucent.
When ready, add the honey and remove from heat. Give it a stir and set the syrup aside to cool.

For the custard filling

Beat the eggs along with half the sugar in a mixer for 3-4 minutes.
The mixture needs to become very fluffy and become a light meringue and set aside until needed.
In a pot, add the heavy cream, milk, the remaining sugar, a pinch of salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Place over medium to high heat and bring to a boil.
As soon as you see that the mixture is bubbling, add the semolina and whisk for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens.
When the whisk leaves streaks in the mixture, it means it has thickened enough and it is ready.
Remove from heat and add the butter. Continue whisking until the butter melts and is completely incorporated.
Use a spatula and transfer mixture to a mixer's bowl. Beat for 4-5 minutes, until the mixture cools a little. Turn off the mixture and check that it is lukewarm.
When ready, add the egg to the bowl and gently fold with a spoon. Your custard filling is ready.
Preheat oven to 160* C (320* F) Fan.
Melt the butter in the microwave or in a saucepan. Generously brush a 25x35 cm or 35x40 cm baking pan with some of the melted butter.
Start assembling the pie by spreading a sheet of phyllo dough in the pan and drizzle with butter. Do not brush the butter straight on to the phyllo, drizzle it from above.
Repeat the same process with the remaining 5 sheets of phyllo dough. Very gently press down on the phyllo with your hands, just a little.
Spread the custard on top and turn in the phyllo that is hanging over the edges. Drizzle with butter.
Set 1 sheet of phyllo dough aside and add the remaining sheets over the custard, drizzling each one with melted butter in the same way as before.
Carefully cover with the final sheet you set aside. Use your pastry brush to help you turn it inwards, towards the bottom of the pan to seal the sweet.
Drizzle a generous amount of melted butter over the top of the sweet and spray with some water.
Score the top of the pie into 10-12 pieces and then cut into them and pour the remaining butter on top.
Bake for 1 ½ hours or until golden brown and crunchy.
When ready, remove from oven and immediately pour the cold syrup over the pie.