Börek (Pastry)

börek_(pastry)

Börek, a savory pastry dish, is a staple in Turkish cuisine dating back to the Ottoman era. Made with thin layers of homemade or store-bought phyllo dough, the pastry can be filled with various ingredients, such as feta cheese, spinach, minced meat or potatoes. Börek can be consumed as an appetizer or main dish, served hot or cold, making it a versatile meal option for any time of day.

The traditional Turkish börek has its origins in Central Asia, but it became a popular dish among the Ottoman Empire’s elites in the 16th century. Later on, börek became a widely available food item in the markets and restaurants due to its popularity among different social classes. Today, börek is a beloved dish among Turkish people and is often served in family gatherings, social events or enjoyed as a snack on the go.

In Turkey, börek is sold at cafes and bakeries, and it can even be ordered from mobile street vendors selling hot börek freshly made on portable stoves. The pastry’s fillings may vary from region to region. For example, in the Black Sea region, börek is commonly filled with beetroot leaves or anchovy, while in the southern region, the pastry is often filled with minced meat or potatoes. The variations of börek are endless, and every family may have their recipe, filling it with their preferred ingredients and secrets.

Making homemade börek is a time-honored tradition in Turkish cuisine. The dough consists of flour, warm water, vinegar, and salt. The ingredients are combined and kneaded until the dough becomes smooth and elastic. The dough is then rolled out into thin sheets and layered on top of one another, making several layers. These layers are then filled with the desired filling and rolled into a spiral or rectangular shape.

If you are a fan of homemade pastries and Turkish cuisine, you can easily make your own börek. The versatile nature of this dish allows you to get creative with the fillings or stick to traditional tastes such as using feta cheese combined with parsley or spinach. You can even venture out and try a sweet version of börek filled with fruits, nuts, or sweet cheese.

Börek is a great meal option for vegans and non-vegans alike. Spinach or potato-filled börek is a popular vegan choice that is often enjoyed as a breakfast or lunch option. Meat or cheese-filled börek can be consumed as an appetizer or the main course. Börek’s versatility makes it a great meal option for everyone.

In conclusion, Börek’s history and popularity in Turkey are undeniable, and its versatility and deliciousness make it a perfect dish to share with friends and family. Try making your own börek and experience the joy of creating and sharing this delicious pastry dish.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. phyllo pastry sheets
  • 1 lb. feta cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. butter
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 tbsp. nigella seeds

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.

  2. Crumble the feta cheese in a bowl and mix with the eggs.

  3. Add the milk, salt, and pepper to the feta mixture and mix well.

  4. Place a sheet of phyllo pastry on your work surface and brush it with olive oil.

  5. Add a spoonful of feta mixture to the bottom edge of the pastry sheet.

  6. Fold the bottom edge of the pastry over the filling and roll it up.

  7. Brush the top of the pastry with olive oil and sprinkle with nigella seeds.

  8. Repeat steps 4-7 with the remaining pastry sheets and filling.

  9. Melt the butter in a small saucepan.

  10. Place the pastries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

  11. Brush the melted butter on top of the pastries.

  12. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastries are golden brown.

  13. Serve hot or cold as a snack or side dish. Enjoy!