Definition

Noun: * A type of very thin, unleavened dough used in layers to make pastries and pies, especially in Middle Eastern and Greek cuisine. It is known for becoming flaky and crisp when baked.

Usage

• Phyllo is an uncountable noun. You refer to it as "phyllo," "phyllo dough," or "sheets of phyllo."
• It is typically brushed with butter or oil between each layer before baking to create a crisp, flaky texture.
• It is the primary dough used in dishes like baklava and spanakopita.

Examples

• "The key to perfect baklava is using many thin layers of phyllo."
• "Remember to keep the unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out."
• "She carefully brushed each sheet of phyllo with melted butter before adding the next layer."

Advanced Usage

• "Phyllo cups" or "phyllo shells": Pre-baked small cups made from phyllo dough, used as edible containers for appetizers or desserts.
  • We filled the phyllo cups with a mixture of spinach and feta cheese.

Variants and Related Words

• Filo / Fillö: Alternative spellings for the same product.
• Strudel dough: A similar, often slightly thicker, stretched dough used in Central European pastries.
• Puff pastry: A different type of layered pastry that uses laminated dough with butter to rise, resulting in a different texture.

Synonyms

• Pastry leaves
• Paper-thin dough

Related Phrases

• To work with phyllo: The process of handling the delicate dough.
  • Working with phyllo requires patience and a light touch.
• Phyllo-based: Describing a dish whose main structure is phyllo dough.
  • The dessert was a phyllo-based tart with fresh fruit.

Noun

1. tissue thin sheets of pastry used especially in Greek dishes