Burek with White Cheese

Burek with White Cheese Recipe from Macedonia | Ingredients: Dry Yeast, Flour, Feta Cheese, Eggs

Region / culture: Macedonia | Preparation time: 1 hour | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Burek with White Cheese is a traditional Balkan dish that consists of layers of thin dough filled with a mixture of eggs and crumbled feta cheese. This savory pastry is a popular choice for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack throughout the day.

History

Burek is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire and has since become a staple in Balkan cuisine. It is commonly enjoyed in countries such as Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia, and Macedonia. The dish has evolved over time, with variations in fillings and shapes, but the basic concept of layered dough and cheese remains consistent.

Ingredients

Burek
1 package dry yeast
0.25 cup lukewarm water
0.25 tsp sugar
3.33 cups all-purpose flour
0.5 tsp salt
0.75 cup lukewarm water
0.5 cup melted butter
Filling
9 eggs (slightly beaten)
0.5 lb (227 g) crumbled feta cheese
3 tbsp melted butter

How to prepare

Butter a large round pan (15-16 inches) and set it aside.
Prepare yeast by combining 0.25 cup of lukewarm water and 0.25 tsp of sugar. Set it aside.
Sift flour and salt into a large bowl, creating a well in the center.
Pour the prepared yeast mixture into the well. Begin mixing by hand and gradually add lukewarm water.
Knead the dough until it forms a ball of medium consistency (approximately 10 minutes).
Divide the dough into 14 equal parts, shaping them into round balls. Cover and let them stand for 0.5 hour.
Melt 0.5 lb (227 g) of butter in a saucepan.
Roll out 4 balls into 6-inch circles, stacking them on top of each other and brushing each layer with melted butter, excluding the top layer.
Allow it to rest briefly, then roll it out on a lightly floured surface to a size slightly larger than the bottom of your pan.
Place the rolled dough in the pan and brush the top with melted butter.
Prepare the filling and spread it evenly to the edge of the pan.
Roll out one ball as thinly as possible, sprinkle it with butter, and loosely gather it into folds. Gently elongate it.
Starting from the center of the pan, place this dough over the filling, circling it to create a pinwheel shape.
Repeat this process with the remaining balls until you reach the outer edge of the pan.
Generously sprinkle the top with the remaining butter.
Cover the pan with a tea towel and place it over a pan of very hot water for about 20 minutes.
Bake in a preheated oven at 300°F for approximately 45 minutes or until nicely browned.

Variations

Add chopped spinach or cooked ground meat to the filling for a different flavor profile.
Use phyllo dough instead of homemade dough for a quicker preparation.
Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, for a unique twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roll out the dough as thinly as possible to achieve a flaky and crispy texture.

- Brushing each layer of dough with melted butter adds richness and flavor to the burek.

- Allow the burek to rest before baking to ensure that the layers have time to rise and become light and airy.

- Serve the burek warm for the best taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Burek with White Cheese can be served as a main dish with a side salad or as a snack on its own. It pairs well with yogurt or a dollop of sour cream.

Cooking Techniques

Rolling out the dough thinly and evenly is key to achieving a flaky and crispy burek.

- Brushing each layer of dough with melted butter adds richness and flavor to the pastry.

- Baking the burek at a low temperature allows the layers to cook through evenly without burning.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have feta cheese, you can use another type of crumbled cheese such as goat cheese or ricotta.

- You can substitute olive oil for melted butter in the dough for a lighter version of the burek.

- If you're short on time, you can use store-bought phyllo dough instead of making your own dough.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the burek in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover the pan with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove the plastic wrap and let the burek come to room temperature before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the burek on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill. You can also drizzle some olive oil over the top for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Burek with White Cheese pairs well with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light red wine such as Pinot Noir. It also goes well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover burek can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the burek in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Burek with White Cheese contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Burek with White Cheese contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Burek with White Cheese contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Burek with White Cheese contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Burek with White Cheese is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and vitamin D due to the feta cheese filling.

Alergens

Burek with White Cheese contains dairy (feta cheese) and gluten (flour), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Burek with White Cheese is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also a good source of calcium and vitamins.

Summary

Burek with White Cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for any time of day. With its flaky layers of dough and creamy cheese filling, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this traditional Balkan treat as a main dish or snack, and savor the flavors of this classic recipe.

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the first time I saw this recipe for Burek with White Cheese. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Elena in her cozy kitchen. Elena was a master in the art of cooking, and I always loved to learn new recipes from her. On this particular day, she invited me over to teach me how to make one of her family's traditional dishes - Burek with White Cheese.

As Elena started to gather the ingredients, I watched her in awe. She moved with such grace and precision, as if she had been making this dish for centuries. The smell of butter and cheese filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation. I couldn't wait to learn how to make this delicious treat.

Elena began by preparing the dough, mixing flour, water, and a pinch of salt until it formed a smooth and elastic ball. She then rolled out the dough into a thin sheet, careful not to tear it. Next, she spread a generous layer of crumbled white cheese over the dough, sprinkling it with a touch of salt and pepper for added flavor.

With practiced hands, Elena rolled the dough into a long cylinder, creating a spiral shape that resembled a snail shell. She carefully placed the burek on a baking sheet, brushing it with melted butter before putting it in the oven to bake. The smell of the bubbling cheese and golden crust filled the kitchen, making my stomach growl in anticipation.

As we waited for the burek to bake, Elena told me the story behind this recipe. She explained that Burek with White Cheese was a traditional dish in her family, passed down from generation to generation. Each family member had their own twist on the recipe, adding different herbs or spices to suit their taste.

Elena's version of Burek with White Cheese was simple yet delicious. The creamy cheese melted in my mouth, perfectly complemented by the flaky and buttery crust. It was a dish that warmed the soul and brought back memories of family gatherings and joyful celebrations.

After the burek was done baking, Elena cut it into slices and served it to me on a beautiful ceramic plate. I took a bite, savoring the rich flavors and textures that danced on my taste buds. It was a moment of pure bliss, shared with a dear friend who had taught me a new and cherished recipe.

From that day on, I made Burek with White Cheese a regular part of my cooking repertoire. I would often make it for family gatherings and special occasions, always thinking of Elena and the wonderful memories we shared in her kitchen. The recipe became a symbol of friendship and tradition, connecting me to the past and to the people who had passed it down to me.

As I grew older, I continued to make Burek with White Cheese, sharing it with my own children and grandchildren. I passed down the recipe, along with the story of how I learned to make it from my dear friend Elena. It became a part of our family's culinary heritage, a dish that brought us together and reminded us of the love and joy that food can bring.

And so, whenever I make Burek with White Cheese, I think of Elena and the day she taught me how to make this delicious and comforting dish. It is a recipe that has stood the test of time, a reminder of the power of food to connect us to our past and to the people we love.