Shepardic Dish Recipe from Israel - Delicious Spinach and Cheese Filled Pastry

Shepardic dish

Shepardic Dish Recipe from Israel - Delicious Spinach and Cheese Filled Pastry
Region / culture: Israel | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Shepardic dish
Shepardic dish

This Sephardic dish, known as Burekas, is a delicious pastry filled with a savory mixture of feta cheese, cooked spinach, and egg yolks. The dough is made with margarine and self-rising flour, giving it a light and flaky texture. This recipe is perfect for a snack or appetizer, and is sure to impress your guests with its unique flavors.

History

Burekas have their origins in Sephardic Jewish cuisine, which is the traditional cooking of the Jews who lived in Spain and Portugal before the Spanish Inquisition. This dish has been passed down through generations and is a popular choice for holidays and special occasions. The combination of feta cheese and spinach is a classic filling for burekas, but there are many variations that can be found in different regions.

Ingredients

Dough

Stuffing

Garnish

How to prepare

Dough

  1. Melt the margarine and mix it with flour and salt.
  2. Add warm water until the dough is able to be rolled.
  3. Roll out the dough and cut out leaf shapes, then cut circles using a cup.

Stuffing

  1. Mix all the ingredients together.
  2. Place one teaspoon of stuffing onto each dough circle and fold them in half.
  3. Spread yolk on top and sprinkle sesame seeds.
  4. Place the stuffed dough on a well-greased cookie tray and bake at 350°F (180°C) until golden, approximately 15-20 minutes.
  5. Serve hot.

Variations

  • Try using different fillings such as mushrooms, onions, or ground meat.
  • Add herbs and spices like dill, parsley, or paprika to the stuffing mixture for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roll out the dough thinly to ensure a crispy crust.

- Be careful not to overfill the dough circles with the stuffing, as it may leak out during baking.

- Brushing the tops of the burekas with egg yolk before baking will give them a shiny golden finish.

- Serve the burekas hot for the best flavor and texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve burekas as a snack or appetizer with a side of tzatziki sauce or hummus.

Cooking Techniques

Baking the burekas in the oven ensures a crispy and golden crust.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use butter instead of margarine for the dough.

- Ricotta cheese or goat cheese can be used as a substitute for feta cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the burekas ahead of time and freeze them before baking. Simply thaw them in the refrigerator before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the burekas on a platter and garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve burekas with a fresh salad or a bowl of soup for a complete meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover burekas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of burekas contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of burekas contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of burekas contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of burekas contains approximately 6 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Burekas are a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (feta cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Burekas are a delicious and satisfying snack that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for any meal.

Summary

Burekas are a delicious and versatile dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a flaky crust and a savory filling, they are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this Sephardic treat as a snack, appetizer, or light meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately drawn to it. It was a Shepardic dish that had been passed down through generations in my family, originating from my great-grandmother who came from Spain. The flavors and aromas that wafted from the dish were simply intoxicating, and I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I remember sitting in my great-grandmother's kitchen, watching her deftly chop vegetables and season the meat with a blend of exotic spices. She moved with such grace and precision, her hands moving as if guided by some unseen force. I was mesmerized by her skill and knew that I wanted to one day be able to recreate this dish myself.

As the years went by, I continued to watch and learn from my great-grandmother, soaking up every detail of her cooking techniques and secret ingredients. She would always tell me that the key to a delicious Shepardic dish was to use only the freshest ingredients and to never rush the cooking process. Patience, she would say, was the secret ingredient that brought all the flavors together in perfect harmony.

Eventually, I began to assist my great-grandmother in the kitchen, helping her chop vegetables, stir pots, and season meats. She would teach me the proper way to sauté onions, the correct amount of salt to add to a dish, and the importance of tasting as you cook. I absorbed every bit of knowledge she imparted on me, determined to one day make her proud by mastering the art of Shepardic cooking.

When my great-grandmother passed away, I inherited her recipe book, a treasure trove of culinary secrets that had been carefully passed down through the generations. I poured over the pages, studying each recipe with care and reverence, determined to keep her legacy alive through my own cooking.

The Shepardic dish was one of the first recipes I attempted to recreate on my own. I gathered the ingredients, set to work chopping and sautéing, and let the aromas fill my kitchen just as they had in my great-grandmother's. As the dish simmered on the stove, I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, savoring the familiar scents that brought back memories of my childhood spent in my great-grandmother's kitchen.

When the dish was finally ready, I plated it with care, garnishing it with a sprig of fresh parsley just as my great-grandmother had taught me. As I took my first bite, I closed my eyes and let the flavors wash over me, transporting me back to a time when my great-grandmother was still alive, guiding me through the intricate dance of Shepardic cooking.

I continued to make the Shepardic dish for my own family, passing down the recipe and the stories of my great-grandmother's culinary prowess to the next generation. Each time I cook the dish, I feel her presence in the kitchen with me, guiding my hands and infusing the food with her love and wisdom.

And so, the Shepardic dish remains a cherished part of my family's culinary heritage, a reminder of the strong women who came before me and the traditions they passed down through the generations. I will always be grateful for the gift of cooking that my great-grandmother bestowed upon me, and I will continue to honor her memory by sharing her recipes and stories with those I hold dear.

Categories

| Feta Recipes | Israeli Recipes | Jewish Appetizers | Spinach Recipes |

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