Traditional Burek: A Step-by-Step Guide to Savory Balkan Pie

Ingredients

500 grams of Phyllo dough
500 grams of ground beef
2 large onions, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of salt
1 teaspoon of black pepper
2 tablespoons of olive oil
100 grams of butter, melted
1 egg yolk
2 tablespoons of sesame seeds

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, cooking until they become soft and transparent.
Add the ground beef to the pan. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the meat is browned. Remove from heat and let it cool.
Start to assemble your burek by layering the phyllo dough in a round baking dish, brushing each layer with melted butter.
After about 5 layers of dough, spread the cooled meat mixture over the top. Cover the meat with another 5 layers of phyllo dough, continuing to brush each layer with butter.
Once you have used all your dough, cut the burek into triangles or squares, but do not remove them from the dish.
In a small bowl, beat the egg yolk and brush it over the top of the burek. Sprinkle the top with sesame seeds.
Place the burek in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your burek hot or warm.

Tools for making

Baking dish - a round dish to assemble and bake the burek
Large pan - used to cook the ground beef and onions
Brush - to brush melted butter on the layers of phyllo dough
Small bowl - to beat the egg yolk for brushing on the burek

Recipe variations

Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with a mixture of sautéed vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Spinach and feta burek: Add cooked spinach and crumbled feta cheese to the meat mixture before layering with phyllo dough.
Chicken burek: Substitute ground beef with cooked and shredded chicken.
Phyllo dough alternative: Use puff pastry sheets instead of phyllo dough for a flakier crust.
Cheese burek: Skip the meat altogether and create a cheese-only burek by layering phyllo dough with a mixture of different cheeses such as feta, mozzarella, and ricotta.
Ground lamb burek: Swap the ground beef with ground lamb for a different flavor profile.
Spices and herbs: Experiment with adding different spices and herbs, such as paprika, oregano, or parsley, to the meat mixture for extra flavor.
Sweet burek: For a dessert version, replace the meat with a sweet filling like apple-cinnamon or Nutella, and dust the top with powdered sugar.

Recipe overview

Burek is a delicious and satisfying dish that hails from the Balkans. It's a layered pastry typically filled with ground beef, onions, and spices, but can also be made with cheese or spinach. This recipe will guide you through the process of making your own burek at home, with detailed instructions for preparing the filling, layering the phyllo dough, and baking to perfection. By following these steps, you'll end up with a golden, crispy burek that's wonderfully savory and rich, making it the perfect centerpiece for a family dinner or gathering. Enjoy the process and the delicious result!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of dough for this recipe? Absolutely! While phyllo dough is the traditional choice for burek, you can also use puff pastry or even homemade dough if you prefer.
Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can use other ground meats such as lamb, chicken, or a combination of meats. You can also make vegetarian burek by using a filling of spinach and cheese.
Can I make burek in advance? Yes, you can prepare the burek in advance and refrigerate it. Just remember to bake it when you're ready to serve. Leftover burek can also be stored in the refrigerator and reheated.
Can I freeze burek? Yes, burek can be frozen both before and after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble the burek and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.
Can I add other ingredients to the filling? Absolutely! Burek is a versatile dish, and you can add ingredients like cheese, sautéed vegetables, or herbs to the filling to customize the flavor.
Can I serve burek with any sauce or dip? Burek is often enjoyed on its own, but you can serve it with yogurt, sour cream, or a side salad for added freshness.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking Dish - A round baking dish to assemble and bake the burek.
Pastry Brush - A brush with soft bristles, used for brushing melted butter or egg wash on the phyllo dough layers.
Large Pan - A large, deep pan for cooking the ground beef mixture.
Knife - A sharp knife for cutting the baked burek into individual servings.
Spatula - A flat utensil with a broad, flexible blade, used for serving and transferring the baked burek.

Origin stories

Burek, a beloved Balkan delight, has a rich and varied history tracing back to the Ottoman Empire. It is said to have arrived in the region with the Turkish expansion, and it quickly became a staple, loved for its simplicity and heartiness. Over time, the recipe was tailored to suit local tastes, with various fillings such as cheese, spinach, and ground meat becoming popular. The name "burek" itself is derived from the Turkish word "börek", which simply refers to any dish made with yufka, the thin flaky dough. The tradition of enjoying burek with a cup of yogurt dates back to these origins, a testament to the dish's enduring cultural significance. This intricate dance between simplicity and complexity, the local and the foreign, creates a culinary narrative as rich as the dish itself, inviting us to partake in a slice of history with every bite.

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.