Bourekas

bourekas

Bourekas, also spelled borekas, are a popular and versatile snack that originated in Sephardic Jewish cuisine but has since become a staple in Israeli cuisine. This savory pastry is typically made with flaky phyllo or puff pastry dough and filled with a variety of savory fillings such as cheese, potatoes, or spinach. It’s a favorite snack of many Israelis, often enjoyed alongside a cup of Turkish coffee or hot tea.

One of the great things about bourekas is that they are incredibly easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and addictive snack that is perfect for any occasion. In this recipe, we’ll be focusing on classic bourekas filled with spinach and feta cheese, but you can easily customize the filling to your liking.

To get started, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First and foremost, you’ll need some phyllo or puff pastry dough. Phyllo dough is a thin and flaky dough that is traditionally used in Greek and Mediterranean cuisine, while puff pastry is a buttery and flaky dough that is more commonly used in Western-style pastries. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try making your own dough from scratch, but store-bought dough works just fine for this recipe.

Next, you’ll need the filling. For this recipe, we’ll be using a mixture of fresh spinach, feta cheese, onions, and garlic. The spinach provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, while the feta cheese gives the filling a tangy and salty flavor. The onions and garlic add an extra layer of flavor and depth to the filling.

To assemble the bourekas, you’ll need to cut the dough into rectangles and brush each rectangle with a beaten egg. Then, spoon some of the filling onto one half of the rectangle and fold the other half over to create a triangle. Press the edges together with a fork to seal the bourekas and brush the tops with more beaten egg before baking.

Once your bourekas are assembled, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Many Israelis like to eat their bourekas fresh out of the oven, but they can also be enjoyed cold or reheated.

Overall, bourekas are a delicious and easy-to-make snack that is sure to be a hit with anyone who loves savory pastries. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, as a snack, or as party food, these tasty little triangles are sure to satisfy. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy snack to whip up, give this Israeli bourekas recipe a try!

Ingredients:

  • 2 sheets of puff pastry
  • 2 cups of mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F.

  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  3. Thaw the puff pastry for about 10 minutes.

  4. In a bowl, mix mashed potatoes, crumbled feta cheese, salt, and pepper together.

  5. Cut each sheet of puff pastry into six squares.

  6. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of the potato mixture onto one half of each square.

  7. Fold each square in half and pinch the edges closed.

  8. Brush the top of each Bourekas with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds over the top.

  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

  10. Serve your Israeli Bourekas hot or at room temperature.

Enjoy your delicious Israeli Bourekas!