Spinach and Cheese Börek Recipe

Börek is a classic Turkish pastry that’s loved for its flaky, crispy layers and savory fillings. This version combines the earthy flavor of spinach with the creamy, salty taste of feta and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a snack, this börek is a versatile dish that’s sure to become a favorite. Follow our detailed instructions to create this delightful pastry that’s both easy to make and delicious to eat.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

Pastry and Filling:

  • 470 g filo pastry sheets
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 260 g spinach, washed and finely chopped
  • 200 g feta (or your preferred white cheese), crumbled or chopped
  • 220 g shredded mozzarella
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

Egg Wash and Garnish:

  • 4 tbsp plain natural yogurt
  • 4 tbsp oil
  • 2 eggs
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp nigella seeds
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

  1. Dice the Onion: Peel and dice the onion, then place it in a large bowl.
  2. Prepare Spinach: Wash the spinach thoroughly and let it dry in a colander to remove excess moisture. Once dry, chop it finely and add it to the bowl with the onion.
  3. Add Cheeses: Crumble or chop the feta cheese and add it to the bowl. Then add the shredded mozzarella. Season with salt, pepper, and red chili flakes (if using).
  4. Mix Well: Combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

Prepare the Egg Wash:

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the yogurt, oil, and eggs. Season with salt and pepper.
  2. Whisk Together: Mix thoroughly with a fork until the eggs are completely broken down.

Assemble the Börek:

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare Filo Sheets: Unwrap the filo sheets. Take one sheet and fold it in half, positioning the longest side towards you.
  3. Add Egg Wash: Spread a thin layer of the egg wash over the folded filo sheet.
  4. Add Filling: Create a row of the spinach and cheese filling near the bottom edge of the filo sheet, leaving a small gap.
  5. Roll Up: Lift the bottom edge of the filo sheet and roll it upwards to form a long tube.
  6. Form Spirals: Take one end of the long tube and curl it inwards to shape it into a spiral.
  7. Place on Tray: Place the assembled börek onto the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between them to prevent sticking.

Garnish and Bake:

  1. Add Egg Wash: Generously coat the börek with the egg wash, focusing particularly on the end of the spiral and any cracked edges.
  2. Sprinkle Seeds: Sprinkle nigella and sesame seeds over the börek to garnish.
  3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until the börek turns golden brown.

Notes:

  • Seasoning: Feta cheese can be salty, so be careful when seasoning to avoid oversalting.
  • Alternative Seasoning: Another widely used seasoning is sumac, which adds a tangy taste similar to lemon. You can replace the red chili flakes with sumac if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve the börek warm with a side of yogurt or a fresh green salad.
  • Börek can be enjoyed as a main dish, appetizer, or snack.

Nutritional Information: (Approximate values per serving)

  • Calories: 250
  • Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Protein: 8g

Tips for Perfect Börek:

  • Ensure the spinach is well-drained to prevent excess moisture in the filling.
  • For a crispier texture, lightly brush each filo sheet with a bit of oil before adding the filling.
  • If you prefer a richer flavor, you can substitute part of the mozzarella with sharp cheddar cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I prepare Börek ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the börek in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This makes it a convenient option for entertaining or meal prep.

Can I freeze Börek? Absolutely! Once assembled, you can freeze the börek before baking. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What other fillings can I use? Börek is incredibly versatile. You can try fillings such as ground beef, sautéed mushrooms, or even a sweet version with a cinnamon-sugar filling.

Conclusion:

Thank you for choosing to make this Spinach and Cheese Börek! We hope you enjoyed creating and savoring this delicious pastry. Börek’s flaky, buttery layers combined with the savory spinach and cheese filling make it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different fillings and share your creations with family and friends. We love hearing from our readers, so please leave a comment or review to let us know how your börek turned out. Happy baking and bon appétit!