Burek is a beloved pastry across the Balkans, particularly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where it's a popular choice for breakfast, snacks, or even as a main course. This flaky, savory pastry is made with thin layers of phyllo dough, traditionally filled with seasoned ground beef, though other variations include cheese, spinach, or potatoes.
Originating in the Ottoman Empire, burek has become a staple in Eastern European and Middle Eastern cuisines. Its popularity across these regions can be attributed to its versatile fillings and the simple yet delicious phyllo dough, which is a hallmark of many Balkan pastries. Over time, burek has evolved, with each region adding its own twist to the classic recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1 egg
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is softened. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Let cool.
3. Melt butter and set aside.
4. In a small bowl, whisk yogurt, egg, and baking soda.
5. Lay out phyllo dough and brush lightly with melted butter.
6. Spoon beef mixture along the bottom edge of the phyllo dough, leaving an inch at each end.
7. Roll up tightly, folding in the ends to seal.
8. Brush top with more melted butter and place on a greased baking sheet.
9. Repeat until all filling is used.
10. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Serve hot with a side of yogurt for dipping.
Notes:
- Variations include fillings like cheese and spinach or potato and onion.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or microwave.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with your favorite vegetables or cheese.
Nutrition Value:
1. Phyllo Dough
- Calories: Approximately 100 calories per 1 oz serving
- Carbohydrates: 20 grams per 1 oz serving
- Protein: 2 grams per 1 oz serving
- Fat: 2 grams per 1 oz serving
- Sodium: 0 mg per 1 oz serving
- Cholesterol: 0 mg per 1 oz serving
- Vitamins: Minimal amounts
- Minerals: Minimal amounts
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides a base for the pastry; contributes primarily carbohydrates for energy.
2. Ground Beef
- Calories: Approximately 250 calories per 4 oz serving
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams per 4 oz serving
- Protein: 26 grams per 4 oz serving
- Fat: 17 grams per 4 oz serving
- Sodium: 75 mg per 4 oz serving
- Cholesterol: 80 mg per 4 oz serving
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin B12
- Minerals: Good source of iron, zinc, and phosphorus
- Nutritional Benefit: High in protein and essential nutrients like iron and Vitamin B12, important for muscle growth and overall health.
3. Onion
- Calories: Approximately 45 calories per 1/2 cup diced
- Carbohydrates: 11 grams per 1/2 cup diced
- Protein: 1 gram per 1/2 cup diced
- Fat: 0 grams per 1/2 cup diced
- Sodium: 2 mg per 1/2 cup diced
- Cholesterol: 0 mg per 1/2 cup diced
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C and Vitamin B6
- Minerals: Provides potassium and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and contributes to overall health with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
4. Paprika
- Calories: Approximately 6 calories per 1 tsp
- Carbohydrates: 1 gram per 1 tsp
- Protein: 0 grams per 1 tsp
- Fat: 0 grams per 1 tsp
- Sodium: 0 mg per 1 tsp
- Cholesterol: 0 mg per 1 tsp
- Vitamins: High in Vitamin A and Vitamin C
- Minerals: Provides iron and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds color and flavor; rich in antioxidants and vitamins beneficial for immune health.
5. Salt and Pepper
- Calories: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Negligible
- Protein: Negligible
- Fat: Negligible
- Sodium: Salt significantly contributes to sodium intake (1 tsp salt contains approximately 2300 mg sodium)
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Salt provides sodium; pepper contains small amounts of iron and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Salt enhances flavor; pepper adds a bit of spice and may have some antioxidant properties.
6. Butter
- Calories: Approximately 400 calories per 1/2 cup
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams per 1/2 cup
- Protein: 0 grams per 1/2 cup
- Fat: 44 grams per 1/2 cup
- Sodium: 400 mg per 1/2 cup
- Cholesterol: 100 mg per 1/2 cup
- Vitamins: Provides Vitamin A
- Minerals: Minimal
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds richness and flavor; provides fat for energy but should be consumed in moderation.
7. Plain Yogurt
- Calories: Approximately 150 calories per 1 cup
- Carbohydrates: 12 grams per 1 cup
- Protein: 8 grams per 1 cup
- Fat: 8 grams per 1 cup
- Sodium: 100 mg per 1 cup
- Cholesterol: 30 mg per 1 cup
- Vitamins: Contains Vitamin B12 and riboflavin
- Minerals: Good source of calcium and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides protein and probiotics, beneficial for digestive health and bone strength.
8. Egg
- Calories: Approximately 70 calories per large egg
- Carbohydrates: 0.6 grams per large egg
- Protein: 6 grams per large egg
- Fat: 5 grams per large egg
- Sodium: 70 mg per large egg
- Cholesterol: 186 mg per large egg
- Vitamins: Rich in Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, and riboflavin
- Minerals: Contains iron, phosphorus, and selenium
- Nutritional Benefit: Excellent source of high-quality protein and essential nutrients.
9. Baking Soda
- Calories: Negligible
- Carbohydrates: Negligible
- Protein: Negligible
- Fat: Negligible
- Sodium: 1250 mg per 1/2 tsp
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Minimal
- Nutritional Benefit: Used as a leavening agent to help the dough rise; does not contribute significant nutritional value.
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