Traditional Turkish Börek: A Step-By-Step Recipe

Ingredients

500g of yufka dough
200g of feta cheese
100g of fresh spinach
1 large onion
2 cloves of garlic
2 tablespoons of olive oil
1 teaspoon of paprika
1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
2 large eggs
200ml of milk
100g of melted butter
2 tablespoons of sesame seeds

Steps and instructions

Preheat your oven to 180C/350F.
Chop the onion and garlic finely and sauté them in olive oil until they're soft and fragrant.
Wash the spinach, drain it well, and chop it coarsely. Add it to the onion and garlic and cook until it wilts.
Crumble the feta cheese into the pan, add paprika and black pepper, and mix well until everything is combined.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
Place one layer of the yufka dough in a greased baking dish. Brush it with the melted butter.
Spread half of the spinach and cheese mixture over the dough.
Place a second layer of yufka dough, brush it with butter, and spread the remaining spinach and cheese mixture over it.
Place a final layer of dough on top, tuck in any overlapping edges, and brush with the remaining butter.
Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Take the börek out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Tools for making

Baking dish - A dish used for baking the börek in the oven.
Frying pan - A pan used to sauté the onion, garlic, and spinach mixture.
Bowl - A container used for whisking together the eggs and milk.
Whisk - A utensil used for mixing ingredients together, like whisking the eggs and milk.
Brush - A tool used for brushing melted butter onto the layers of yufka dough.
Knife - A sharp utensil used for chopping the onion, garlic, and spinach.
Spatula - A tool used for spreading and evenly layering the spinach and cheese mixture.

Recipe variations

Swap the yufka dough for phyllo dough.
Use a whole wheat or gluten-free flour for a healthier or gluten-free version.
Add cooked ground meat (such as beef or lamb) to the spinach and cheese mixture for a meaty option.
Replace the feta cheese with a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or goat cheese.
Add chopped herbs like parsley or dill to the spinach and cheese mixture for added flavor.
Include other vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers in the filling.
Make individual börek by folding the dough into triangles instead of layering it in a baking dish.
Brush the top of the börek with beaten egg for a shiny finish.
Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Serve with a side of yogurt or tzatziki sauce for dipping.

Recipe overview

Experience the taste of Turkey with this traditional and delicious Börek recipe! Börek is a savory pastry that's filled with a mixture of feta cheese and spinach, nestled within layers of delicate yufka dough. This dish is a popular choice for breakfast or a light lunch in Turkey, and it's sure to be a hit in your home. Despite its impressive presentation, Börek is surprisingly simple to make. The recipe involves sautéing spinach, onion, and garlic, then mixing them with crumbled feta cheese and a sprinkle of spices. This flavorful filling is then layered with sheets of yufka dough, brushed with butter, and topped with a blend of whisked eggs and milk. The pastry is finished off with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a bit of crunch, before being baked until golden brown. The result is a perfectly balanced, delicious dish with a crispy outside and a soft, flavorful inside. Whether you're looking to try something new or bring a bit of international flavor into your kitchen, this Börek recipe is a fantastic choice!

Common questions

Can I use a different type of dough instead of yufka? No, yufka dough is traditionally used for börek as it gives the desired texture and flavor. However, if you can't find yufka, you can try using phyllo dough as a substitute.
Can I use a different cheese instead of feta? While feta cheese is the traditional choice for börek, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it might alter the taste and texture of the final dish.
Can I make börek in advance? Yes, you can prepare börek ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. Reheat it in the oven for a few minutes before serving to regain its crispiness.
Can I freeze börek? Absolutely! Börek freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Can I add other vegetables to the filling? Certainly! Börek is versatile, and you can add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or tomatoes to the filling. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before mixing with the cheese.
Can I make individual börek rolls instead of a layered dish? Yes, you can! Instead of layering the ingredients, you can cut the yufka dough into squares or rectangles, place the filling on one side, then fold and roll it into a cigar shape. Bake until golden brown.

Serving dishes and utensils

Baking dish - A rectangular or square oven-safe dish to bake the börek.
Knife - For chopping onions, garlic, and slicing the börek into portions.
Frying pan - To sauté the onions, garlic, and cook the spinach mixture.
Whisk - To combine the eggs and milk for the egg wash.
Brush - To brush melted butter onto the layers of yufka dough.
Spatula - For mixing the spinach and cheese filling and spreading it evenly.
Oven mitts - To handle the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.

Origin stories

Börek, a revered treat from the kitchens of the Ottoman Empire, has graced tables for countless centuries. This savory pastry, characterized by delicate layers of yufka dough, is a testament to the complex culinary tapestry of Turkish cuisine. As the story goes, börek was born out of necessity during long military campaigns. Ottoman chefs, seeking to create a durable yet enjoyable meal for soldiers, began to experiment with thin sheets of dough known as yufka. They soon discovered that by layering these sheets and interspersing them with various fillings, the resulting dish was not only delicious, but could also last for days without spoiling. This made börek an indispensable companion for the foot soldiers and horsemen of the Ottomans, and it remains a beloved staple across Turkey and beyond to this day. Its enduring popularity bears testimony to the timeless wisdom of these inventive chefs, and the culinary legacy they bestowed upon the world. Enjoying a slice of börek, therefore, is not just a delightful gastronomic experience, but also a journey back in time through the rich annals of Turkish history.

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.