Discover the ultimate Burek recipe—a savory, flaky pastry filled with your choice of seasoned meat, creamy cheese, or fresh spinach. Perfect for a hearty snack or a main course, this traditional dish from the Balkans is easy to prepare and will satisfy your cravings for a rich and flavorful treat. Follow our step-by-step guide to create the perfect Burek at home.

Ingredients:

- 1 package of phyllo dough (about 500g)

- 500g ground beef or lamb (for meat filling)

- 200g feta cheese (for cheese filling)

- 300g spinach, chopped (for spinach filling)

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 garlic cloves, minced

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

- 1 teaspoon ground paprika (optional)

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)

- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing the dough)

- 1 egg (for egg wash)

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

  - Meat Filling: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until soft. Add the ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Set aside to cool.

  - Cheese Filling: Crumble the feta cheese into a bowl. You can mix it with a beaten egg for a creamier texture. Set aside.

  - Spinach Filling: Sauté the chopped spinach in a little olive oil until wilted. Season with salt and pepper. Let it cool.

Assemble the Burek:

  - Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).

  - On a clean surface, lay out one sheet of phyllo dough. Brush it lightly with melted butter.

  - Place another sheet on top and brush again. Repeat until you have 3-4 layers.

  - Place a line of your chosen filling (meat, cheese, or spinach) along one edge of the phyllo dough. Roll it up tightly into a cylinder or spiral shape.

  - Repeat with the remaining dough and fillings.

Bake the Burek:

  - Place the rolled Burek on a greased baking tray. Brush the tops with egg wash (1 beaten egg with a splash of water).

  - Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Serve:

  - Let the Burek cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with a side of yogurt or salad.

This versatile Burek can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. Feel free to experiment with other fillings like mushrooms, potatoes, or a combination of your favorite ingredients!

Nutritional Values

Phyllo Dough

- Calories: 380

- Protein: 6g

- Carbohydrates: 65g

- Fat: 10g

Benefits:

- Phyllo dough is a low-fat alternative to other types of pastry dough, as it uses minimal fat in its preparation. It provides a crispy texture while keeping the calorie count relatively low.

Ground Beef or Lamb

- Calories: 250

- Protein: 26g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Fat: 20g

Benefits:

- Rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.

- Provides important vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and vitamin B12.

- Opt for lean cuts to reduce fat content.

Feta Cheese

- Calories: 260

- Protein: 14g

- Carbohydrates: 4g

- Fat: 21g

Benefits:

- High in protein and calcium, supporting bone health.

- Contains probiotics that aid in digestion.

- Lower in fat than many other cheeses, making it a lighter choice.

Spinach

- Calories: 23

- Protein: 3g

- Carbohydrates: 3g

- Fat: 0.4g

Benefits:

- High in vitamins A, C, and K, which support immune function, skin health, and blood clotting.

- Rich in iron and calcium, important for overall health.

- Contains antioxidants that help protect cells from damage.

Onion

- Calories: 40

- Protein: 1g

- Carbohydrates: 9g

- Fat: 0.1g

Benefits:

- Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

- Supports heart health by improving cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure.

Garlic

- Calories: 149

- Protein: 6g

- Carbohydrates: 33g

- Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:

- Known for its potential to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of certain cancers.

- May improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Olive Oil

- Calories: 884

- Protein: 0g

- Carbohydrates: 0g

- Fat: 100g

Benefits:

- Rich in monounsaturated fats, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.

- Contains antioxidants like vitamin E and polyphenols that help protect cells from damage.

Egg (for Egg Wash)

- Calories: 72

- Protein: 6g

- Carbohydrates: 0.6g

- Fat: 5g

Benefits:

- High-quality protein that supports muscle health and repair.

- Provides essential nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B12, and choline.

By including these ingredients in your Burek, you not only enjoy a delicious meal but also benefit from a range of nutrients that support overall health and well-being.