Round Cheese Bourek

Round Cheese Bourek Recipe from Macedonia

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

Introduction

Round Cheese Bourek is a delicious and savory pastry dish that originated in the Middle East. This dish is made with layers of thin dough filled with a mixture of eggs, feta cheese, and butter. It is a popular dish for special occasions and gatherings, as it is both flavorful and visually appealing.

History

The history of Round Cheese Bourek dates back to ancient times in the Middle East. It is believed that this dish was originally created as a way to use up leftover ingredients, such as cheese and dough. Over time, the recipe evolved and became a popular dish in many Middle Eastern countries, where it is enjoyed as a traditional and festive treat.

Ingredients

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
1 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 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 middle. Add the prepared yeast. Slowly mix by hand, gradually adding lukewarm water. Knead the dough until it forms a ball of medium consistency, approximately 10 minutes.
Divide the dough into 14 equal parts and roll 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 approximately 6-inch circles. Stack one on top of the other, brushing each layer with melted butter, excluding the top layer. Let it stand briefly, then roll the stack out on a slightly floured table until it is slightly larger than the bottom of your pan. Place it in the pan and brush the top with melted butter.
Mix the filling and spread it evenly on top of the dough, right to the edge of the pan.
Now roll out one ball as thinly as possible, sprinkle it with butter, and loosely gather it in folds. With a slight pull, elongate it.
Starting from the center of the pan, place this dough over the filling in the pan, circling it to resemble a pinwheel.
Repeat this process with the remaining balls until you have reached the outer edge of your pan. Sprinkle the remaining butter generously.
Cover with a tea towel and place the Bourek over a pan of very hot water (not in the water). Let it stand for 20 minutes to rise. Then, take the Bourek to the oven and bake in a preheated oven at 300°F (149°C) for 45 minutes, or until nicely browned.

Variations

Add chopped herbs such as parsley or dill to the filling for added flavor.
Substitute the feta cheese with another type of cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar.
Add cooked spinach or mushrooms to the filling for a vegetarian option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roll out the dough thinly to achieve the desired flakiness in the pastry.

- Brushing each layer of dough with melted butter helps to create a crispy and golden crust.

- Allow the Bourek to rise before baking to ensure a light and airy texture.

- Serve the Bourek warm for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Round Cheese Bourek can be served as a main dish or as a side dish with a fresh salad or yogurt.

Cooking Techniques

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

- Brushing each layer of dough with melted butter helps to create a rich and buttery flavor.

- Baking the Bourek in a hot oven ensures that it cooks evenly and becomes golden brown.

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 use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version of the dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the Bourek ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover it with plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Round Cheese Bourek on a platter garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil. Cut it into wedges for easy serving.

Pairing Recommendations

Round Cheese Bourek pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing mint tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Round Cheese Bourek in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Round Cheese Bourek contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Round Cheese Bourek contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Round Cheese Bourek contains approximately 20 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Round Cheese Bourek contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Round Cheese Bourek is a good source of calcium, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

Round Cheese Bourek contains dairy (feta cheese, butter) and eggs.

Summary

Round Cheese Bourek is a rich and indulgent dish that is high in fats and proteins. It is best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Summary

Round Cheese Bourek is a delicious and savory pastry dish that is perfect for special occasions and gatherings. With layers of flaky dough and a rich cheese filling, this dish is sure to impress your guests. Enjoy it warm with a side salad or yogurt for a complete meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my mother. We were in our small kitchen, surrounded by the familiar sights and smells of home. My mother was busy preparing dinner, her hands moving swiftly as she chopped vegetables and stirred pots on the stove. I watched in awe, fascinated by the way she effortlessly created delicious meals out of simple ingredients.

One day, as I was helping my mother tidy up the kitchen after a particularly busy day, I stumbled upon a faded recipe card tucked away in a dusty old cookbook. It was for a dish called Round Cheese Bourek, a savory pastry filled with creamy cheese and herbs. Intrigued, I asked my mother where the recipe came from. She smiled and told me that it had been passed down from her own mother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago.

Excited to try my hand at making this traditional dish, I begged my mother to teach me the recipe. She agreed, and together we set out to gather the necessary ingredients. We made our way to the local market, the bustling streets filled with vendors selling fresh produce and fragrant spices. We carefully selected the finest cheese, herbs, and pastry dough, our baskets overflowing with the promise of a delicious meal.

Back in the kitchen, my mother patiently guided me through each step of the recipe, teaching me the importance of precision and patience in the art of cooking. I watched as she expertly rolled out the pastry dough, filling it with a generous amount of creamy cheese and fragrant herbs. With a practiced hand, she folded the dough into a perfect circle, sealing the edges with a gentle touch.

As the Round Cheese Bourek baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the enticing aroma of melting cheese and golden pastry. I could hardly contain my excitement as I waited for the dish to be ready, my mouth watering in anticipation. When the timer finally chimed, signaling that it was time to take the bourek out of the oven, I eagerly helped my mother remove it from the heat.

The Round Cheese Bourek emerged from the oven perfectly golden and flaky, the cheese bubbling and oozing out from the seams. My mother sliced it into generous portions, the creamy filling spilling out onto the plates in a deliciously decadent display. We sat down at the table together, the warm pastry melting in our mouths as we savored each bite.

From that day on, Round Cheese Bourek became a staple in our household. I would often make it for family gatherings and special occasions, each time adding my own twist to the traditional recipe. I experimented with different cheeses and herbs, always striving to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Over the years, I have shared the recipe for Round Cheese Bourek with friends and neighbors, passing on the tradition of this delectable dish to a new generation. I have fond memories of teaching my own children how to make it, watching with pride as they mastered the art of cooking just as I had done so many years ago.

To this day, the scent of Round Cheese Bourek baking in the oven brings back memories of my childhood, of learning to cook alongside my mother in our cozy kitchen. It is a recipe that holds a special place in my heart, a reminder of the love and care that goes into creating a delicious meal to share with those you hold dear. And as I sit down to enjoy a slice of Round Cheese Bourek with my own family, I am filled with gratitude for the timeless tradition that has been passed down through the generations, bringing joy and comfort to all who taste its rich and savory flavors.