World Recipe: Turkish Börek

23 Feb World Recipe: Turkish Börek

Turkish börek is an iconic dish from Ottoman cuisine. This pastry, made with thin layers of dough and a creamy filling of spinach and cheese, combines crispy textures and intense flavors. Traditionally, it is presented in a spiral shape, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 730 g flour
• 150 ml lukewarm milk
• 115 ml lukewarm water
• 110 ml sunflower oil
• 5 g salt
• 1 egg
• Butter (at room temperature)
• Sunflower oil
• 1 egg (for brushing)

For the filling:

• 1 kg spinach
• 600 g feta cheese
• 1 onion
• 4 garlic cloves
• Ground black pepper and salt
• Extra virgin olive oil

Preparation:

• Mix the flour with the salt. Create a well in the center and add oil, milk, water, and egg. Combine the ingredients and knead until a smooth dough forms. Let it rest for 1 hour.
• Divide the dough into 8 portions, roll them into balls, and brush with oil. Let them rest for 15 minutes.

• Sauté the chopped garlic and onion in oil. Add the spinach in batches until it wilts. Season with salt and pepper.
• Add the crumbled feta cheese and mix. Let the filling cool.

• Roll out each dough portion into a very thin rectangle. Brush with butter and place the filling in the center.
• Fold the edges and roll into a cylinder. Arrange the rolls in a spiral shape on a round baking tray.

• Brush the surface with beaten egg. Bake at 200°C for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown.