Traditional Börek Recipe

Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients for Traditional Börek

For the Yogurt Mixture:

• Eggs: 3
• Plain yogurt: 2 cups
• Olive oil: 1/4 cup

For the Filling:

• Ground meat (pork, beef, lamb): 1 1/2 lb
• Garlic cloves: 2 (minced)
• Onion (finely chopped): 1
• Spinach (chopped): 2 cups
• Fresh dill (chopped): 1/4 cup
• Parsley (chopped): 1/2 cup
• Feta cheese (crumbled): 1/2 cup
• Grated mozzarella: 1/2 cup
• Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon

For Assembly:

• Phyllo sheets: 1 package (1 lb)
• Nigella seeds or sesame seeds: 2 teaspoons

How to Make Traditional Börek

Step 1: Prepare the Yogurt Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, and olive oil until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Filling

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the onion, garlic, and ground meat until fully cooked and the onions are translucent.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the spinach, dill, parsley, feta cheese, mozzarella, olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
3. Mix the cooked meat and onion mixture into the spinach mixture. This is your filling.

Step 3: Prepare the Phyllo Dough Layers

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Brush a 9×13-inch pan with olive oil.
3. Divide the phyllo dough into 2 sets (12-14 sheets per set). Cover them with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

Step 4: Layer the Börek

1. Place 2 sheets of phyllo in the prepared pan and brush lightly with olive oil.
2. Add 1 phyllo sheet, spread 2-3 tablespoons of the yogurt mixture, and fold any hanging edges into the pan.
3. Repeat the layering pattern: 2 sheets brushed with oil, 1 sheet with yogurt mixture, until the first set of phyllo is used.
4. Spread the filling evenly over the top layer of the first set.
5. Repeat the same layering pattern with the second set of phyllo sheets, using less yogurt mixture between the layers to reserve 1/2 cup for the top.

Step 5: Finish and Bake

1. Using a serrated knife, cut the börek into 12 even squares before baking.
2. Pour the remaining 1/2 cup of yogurt mixture evenly over the top.
3. Sprinkle nigella seeds or sesame seeds on top.
4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

1. Let the börek cool for 10 minutes before serving.
2. Enjoy this flaky, savory pastry as a main course or a snack!

Tips for Perfect Börek

1. Prevent Phyllo from Drying Out: Keep the unused sheets covered with a damp towel while assembling.
2. Customize the Filling: Substitute ground meat with mushrooms or additional cheese for a vegetarian version.
3. Crispier Layers: Brush each phyllo layer lightly with olive oil for extra crispiness.

FAQ: Traditional Börek Recipe

1. Q: Can I make börek ahead of time?
2. guessrecipes: Yes! Assemble the börek and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. Q: How do I store leftover börek?
4. guessrecipes: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster to retain crispiness.
5. Q: Can I freeze börek?
6. guessrecipes: Yes! Freeze unbaked börek and bake straight from the freezer, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on social media with your börek creations! Don’t forget to explore more traditional recipes on our blog 🙂 .

Try our French Brandade Recipe

Learn more about Börek Recipe