Börek

Serbian Börek Recipe with Ground Beef and Phyllo

Region / culture: Serbia | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Börek is a savory pastry that is beloved across many cultures, particularly in the Middle East, the Balkans, and the Mediterranean. This versatile dish can be filled with a variety of ingredients, but our recipe focuses on a delicious mixture of ground beef, onions, and spices, all wrapped in delicate phyllo pastry. Perfect for a hearty breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a light dinner, börek is sure to delight your taste buds with its crispy exterior and flavorful filling.

History

The origins of börek can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire, where it was a popular dish among the sultans and their courts. Over the centuries, börek spread across the empire's territories, evolving into different variations depending on the region and available ingredients. Today, börek is a staple in many countries, each boasting its own unique take on this classic dish.

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, peeled and chopped
1 lb (454 g) ground beef
1 tsp allspice
2 tsp hungarian paprika
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 box phyllo pastry sheet (12 inches x 17 inches)
0.75 cup melted butter

How to prepare

Heat a large frying pan and add the oil.
Sauté the onion until it becomes soft, then add the beef, spices, and salt and pepper to taste.
Cook until the meat becomes crumbly but not dry. Allow it to cool completely before proceeding.
Place 1 sheet of phyllo dough on the counter and brush it with some of the butter.
Spread a heaping 0.33 cup of the meat mixture across the sheet, about 2 inches from the edge.
Fold the bottom of the sheet over the meat mixture and roll it into a snake shape. Cut the roll in half and coil each piece into a snail shape.
Place the coiled rolls on a nonstick baking sheet, making sure to butt the end up against the edge of the pan to prevent uncoiling. Brush them with additional butter.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (191°C) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden.
Keep the remaining sheets of phyllo dough covered with plastic and work quickly to prevent them from drying out.

Variations

There are countless variations of börek, including:
Cheese börek: Filled with a mixture of feta cheese and parsley.
Spinach and feta börek: A vegetarian option that includes spinach, feta cheese, and sometimes pine nuts.
Potato börek: Filled with mashed potatoes, onions, and spices.

Notes

Hint on handling phyllo dough: Be sure the dough is at room temperature before you open the box. Place the sheets of dough on a large cookie sheet and cover them with plastic wrap and then a heavy towel. In this way, they will not dry out while you are working with them. Work fast for best results and do not have the butter too hot when brushing the dough.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your börek turns out perfectly, follow these tips:

- Keep the phyllo pastry covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out.

- Brush each layer of phyllo with melted butter to achieve a golden, crispy finish.

- Allow the meat mixture to cool completely before assembling to prevent the pastry from becoming soggy.

- Bake until golden brown to ensure a crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Börek can be served as a standalone dish or accompanied by a side salad for a more balanced meal. It's perfect for any time of day, whether as a hearty breakfast, a light lunch, or a satisfying dinner.

Cooking Techniques

Börek can be prepared in various shapes, including rolls, coils, and layered pies. The key to a successful börek is ensuring the pastry is well-buttered and baked until golden and crispy.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs.

- Use olive oil instead of butter for brushing the phyllo pastry to reduce the saturated fat content.

Make Ahead Tips

Börek can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked börek and bake it directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Presentation Ideas

Serve börek slices on a platter garnished with fresh herbs or alongside a dipping sauce such as tzatziki for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Börek pairs well with a light, crisp salad or a tangy yogurt-based dip. For beverages, try a glass of mint tea or a light, refreshing white wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover börek can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and crispy.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of börek contains approximately 350 calories. The calorie count can vary depending on the size of the servings and any modifications made to the recipe.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of börek contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates, primarily from the phyllo pastry. Opting for whole wheat phyllo can increase the fiber content and make it a healthier option.

Fats

Börek is relatively high in fats due to the ground beef and melted butter used in the recipe. Each serving contains about 20 grams of fat, with a significant portion being saturated fat from the butter. Using lean ground beef and reducing the amount of butter can help lower the fat content.

Proteins

This börek recipe is a good source of protein, providing about 15 grams per serving. The ground beef is the primary source of protein, making this dish a satisfying and filling option.

Vitamins and minerals

Börek provides a range of vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc, and B vitamins from the beef, as well as calcium and vitamin A from the butter. Including vegetables in the filling can increase the vitamin and mineral content.

Alergens

Common allergens in this börek recipe include gluten (from the phyllo pastry) and dairy (from the butter). Individuals with food allergies should take caution and consider suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, börek is a flavorful and satisfying dish that can be part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. It provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

This börek recipe offers a delightful taste of traditional cuisine with a rich history. With its crispy phyllo pastry and savory filling, it's a versatile dish that can be enjoyed at any meal. By following the tips and variations provided, you can customize börek to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her quaint little village in Turkey. As we sat in her cozy kitchen, sipping on tea and reminiscing about the good old days, she suddenly got up and rummaged through her old recipe drawer.

"Ah, here it is!" she exclaimed, holding up a yellowed piece of paper covered in scribbles. "This is my mother's famous Börek recipe. You must try it, my dear."

I watched in awe as Maria began to gather the ingredients and prepare the dough. She worked with such grace and precision, her hands moving deftly as if guided by some unseen force. I couldn't tear my eyes away from her, mesmerized by her skill and expertise.

As the Börek baked in the oven, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma, Maria proceeded to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained how her mother had learned to make Börek from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. It was a cherished family tradition, passed down through generations, each woman adding her own touch to make it uniquely her own.

I listened intently, soaking in every detail and savoring every morsel of information. I knew then and there that I had stumbled upon something truly special, a culinary treasure that I needed to make my own.

When the Börek was finally ready, Maria sliced it into generous portions and served it to me on a delicate porcelain plate. I took a bite, and instantly, I was transported to a world of flavors and textures unlike anything I had ever experienced before. The crispy layers of phyllo dough melted in my mouth, giving way to a savory filling of cheese, spinach, and herbs. It was a symphony of taste, a masterpiece of culinary artistry that left me speechless.

From that day on, I made it my mission to master the art of making Börek. I spent hours in my own kitchen, experimenting with different fillings and techniques, striving to recreate the magic of Maria's recipe. I sought out other Turkish women who were willing to share their own versions of Börek, learning from them and incorporating their tips and tricks into my own repertoire.

As the years went by, I honed my skills and perfected my Börek recipe, making it a staple in my own family gatherings and celebrations. I watched with pride as my children and grandchildren devoured each bite, their eyes lighting up with joy and satisfaction. I knew then that I had succeeded in preserving a piece of culinary history, a tradition that would live on through the generations to come.

And so, whenever I make Börek now, I think back to that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, where I first discovered the recipe that would change my life forever. I am grateful for the friends and mentors who have guided me along this culinary journey, and for the love and passion that I pour into every batch of Börek that I make.

For me, Börek is more than just a dish – it is a labor of love, a symbol of tradition, and a testament to the power of food to bring people together. And I am proud to carry on this legacy, sharing the recipe with others and passing on the rich tapestry of flavors and stories that make it so special.

So the next time you bite into a piece of Börek, remember the hands that crafted it, the hearts that inspired it, and the generations of women who have kept the flame of tradition burning bright. And let the taste transport you to a world of memories and magic, just as it does for me every time I take a bite.