What country is credited with creating the phyllo pastry?

Phyllo pastry is a delicate, flaky pastry that is commonly used in Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines. It is made by rolling out thin layers of dough and then layering them with butter or oil.

While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origin of phyllo pastry, it is believed to have been first created in the Ottoman Empire, which spanned across southeastern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. The Ottomans were known for their culinary skills and introduced many new foods and dishes to the region.

Phyllo pastry was likely created by Ottoman bakers who were looking for a way to use up leftover bread dough. They would roll out the dough until it was paper-thin and then layer it with butter or oil to create a flaky texture. The pastry quickly became popular throughout the Ottoman Empire and was eventually adopted by other cuisines in the region.

Today, phyllo pastry is used in a wide variety of dishes, from savory pies and pastries to sweet desserts like baklava. It is a versatile and delicious ingredient that has become an iconic part of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine.