Homemade Burekas: A Delicious Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 sheets of puff pastry
  • 1 egg (for egg wash)
  • 2 cups of mashed potatoes
  • 1 cup of feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup of chopped spinach (optional)
  • 1/2 cup of chopped parsley
  • 1/2 cup of chopped onion
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté until they become soft and fragrant.
  3. Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook until it wilts. Remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the mashed potatoes, crumbled feta cheese, cooked onion, garlic, spinach, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.
  5. Unfold the puff pastry sheets and cut them into squares (about 4x4 inches each).
  6. Spoon a portion of the potato mixture into the center of each puff pastry square.
  7. Fold the pastry square diagonally to form a triangle. Press the edges together to seal the burekas. You can use a fork to create a decorative edge.
  8. Place the filled burekas on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. In a small bowl, beat the egg. Brush the top of each burekas with the egg wash. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top, if desired.
  10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the burekas are golden brown.

Tools for making

  • Baking Sheet - A flat, rectangular metal sheet used for baking the burekas.
  • Parchment Paper - Non-stick paper used to line the baking sheet and prevent the burekas from sticking.
  • Pan - A cooking utensil with shallow sides and a long handle used for sautéing the onion, garlic, and spinach.
  • Large Bowl - A bowl used for mixing and combining the mashed potatoes, feta cheese, cooked vegetables, and parsley.
  • Knife - A sharp tool used for cutting the puff pastry sheets into squares.
  • Fork - A utensil used for pressing and sealing the burekas edges, creating a decorative edge.
  • Brush - A cooking utensil with bristles used for brushing the egg wash onto the burekas before baking.
  • Small Bowl - A bowl used for beating the egg and holding the sesame seeds.

Recipe variations

  • Use different types of cheese such as mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese.
  • Add cooked and seasoned ground meat (such as beef, lamb, or chicken) to the filling for a meaty variation.
  • Replace the puff pastry with phyllo dough for a lighter and flakier crust.
  • Include different vegetables in the filling, such as roasted bell peppers, mushrooms, or grated carrots.
  • For a vegan version, substitute the cheese with vegan cheese alternatives and use plant-based puff pastry.
  • Add spices or herbs to the filling like paprika, cumin, or dill to enhance the flavor.
  • Experiment with different shapes, such as making mini burekas or folding them into squares instead of triangles.
  • Include a sweet variation by adding a fruit filling, like apple or cherry, and sprinkle with powdered sugar on top.
  • Make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free puff pastry or dough alternatives.
  • Try different toppings like sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or grated Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.

Recipe overview

Burekas are a delicious and savory pastry, originally from the Sephardic Jewish community and very popular in countries like Israel, Turkey, and Greece. This recipe guides you through preparing burekas filled with a scrumptious blend of mashed potatoes and feta cheese, with the optional addition of spinach. Wrapped in flaky puff pastry and baked to golden perfection, these pastries are a delightful treat for any meal or snack. Expect a moderate level of cooking involvement - you'll be sautéing a simple veggie mixture, preparing the filling, and folding your burekas. The result is a batch of beautiful, golden pastries with a satisfyingly savory filling, perfect for impressing at your next gathering, or simply enjoying at home.

Common questions

  1. Can I use store-bought mashed potatoes instead of making my own?
  2. Yes, you can use store-bought mashed potatoes as a time-saving option.
  3. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
  4. Yes, you can substitute feta cheese with other types of cheese like mozzarella, cheddar, or even goat cheese.
  5. Can I make these burekas ahead of time?
  6. Yes, you can prepare the burekas ahead of time and refrigerate them before baking. When you're ready, simply brush them with egg wash and bake as directed.
  7. Can I freeze the burekas?
  8. Yes, you can freeze the unbaked burekas. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to bake, simply brush them with egg wash and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  9. Can I add other fillings to the burekas?
  10. Absolutely! Burekas can be filled with various ingredients like cooked ground meat, mushrooms, or different types of vegetables. Feel free to get creative with the fillings!
  11. Can I reheat the leftovers?
  12. Yes, you can reheat the leftover burekas in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Baking sheet - To bake the burekas in the oven.
  • Parchment paper - To line the baking sheet and prevent sticking.
  • Pan - To cook onions, garlic, and spinach for the filling.
  • Large bowl - To mix the mashed potatoes, feta cheese, and other filling ingredients.
  • Spoon - To spoon the potato mixture onto the puff pastry squares.
  • Fork - To seal the edges of the burekas and create a decorative edge.
  • Small bowl - To beat the egg for egg wash.
  • Pastry brush - To brush the egg wash onto the burekas.
  • Sesame seeds (optional) - For garnishing the burekas.

Origin stories

Burekas find their origin in the kitchens of the Sephardic Jews, who were expelled from Spain in the late 15th century. These Jews, fleeing with recipes in their hearts and minds, found refuge in the Ottoman Empire, where burekas quickly became a beloved snack. The name "burekas" itself is derived from the Turkish word "börek", denoting a family of baked filled pastries. Today, these delightful pastries are a staple in Israeli bakeries, their flaky crust and flavorful fillings a testament to the enduring traditions of a displaced people. The filling, traditionally cheese or mashed potatoes, can be tweaked to include spinach or mushrooms, exemplifying the adaptability of this humble snack to the local palate. Every bite of a bureka is a bite into centuries of Sephardic history, a crisp and savory reminder of a journey that traverses countries and cultures.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.