Indulge in the savory delights of Croatia with the iconic dish, Burek. This traditional pastry, beloved across the Balkans, holds a special place in Croatian cuisine. Imagine layers of flaky phyllo dough enveloping a rich filling of minced meat, cheese, spinach, or potatoes, seasoned to perfection with herbs and spices. Whether enjoyed as a hearty breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a comforting meal, Burek offers a taste of culinary heritage and cultural richness. Join us on a gastronomic journey through Croatia as we savor the irresistible flavors and textures of this beloved delicacy.

Here's a traditional recipe for Croatia Burek:

Ingredients:

• 1 pack of phyllo pastry dough (about 12-15 sheets)
• 500g minced meat (beef, lamb, or a mixture)
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2-3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• Melted butter or oil for brushing

Instructions:

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

2- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until translucent.

3- Add the minced meat to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.

4- Season the meat with paprika, salt, and pepper according to your taste. Stir in chopped parsley if using. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

5- Take one sheet of phyllo dough and place it on a clean, dry surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter or oil.

6- Layer another sheet of phyllo dough on top of the first one and repeat the process until you have a stack of about 5-6 sheets.

7- Spread a portion of the meat mixture evenly over the phyllo dough, leaving a small border around the edges.

8- Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the meat mixture.

9- Carefully roll the phyllo dough and filling into a log shape, tucking in the edges as you roll.

10- Transfer the rolled burek onto a greased baking sheet, seam side down.

11- Repeat the process with the remaining phyllo dough and filling until all the ingredients are used.

12- Brush the tops of the burek rolls with melted butter or oil.

13- Using a sharp knife, score the burek rolls diagonally into portions, but do not cut all the way through.

14- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.

15- Remove from the oven and let the burek cool slightly before slicing and serving.

16- Enjoy your homemade Croatia Burek filled with delicious meat, cheese, or spinach!

Nutritional Values:

Providing exact nutritional values can be challenging without knowing the specific brands and exact quantities of ingredients used, but here's an approximate breakdown of the nutritional values for the main ingredients in Croatia Burek:

Phyllo Pastry Dough (1 sheet, approximately 14g):

• Calories: 40 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Fat: 1g
• Protein: 1g

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates for energy
• Low in fat compared to other pastry dough types

Minced Meat (500g, lean ground beef):

• Calories: 1125 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 85g
• Protein: 90g

benefits:

• High-quality protein source, essential for muscle growth and repair
• Contains essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins

Feta Cheese (200g):

• Calories: 528 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 42g
• Protein: 28g

benefits:

• Good source of calcium for bone health
• Provides protein for muscle maintenance and growth
• Contains probiotics that support gut health

Olive Oil (2-3 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240-360 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fat: 28-42g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Healthy unsaturated fats that support heart health
• Contains antioxidants that help reduce inflammation
• May improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of chronic diseases

Onion (1 medium onion, approximately 110g):

• Calories: 44 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 1g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect against chronic diseases
• Contains prebiotics that support gut health
• May help lower blood sugar levels and improve heart health

Garlic (2 cloves, approximately 6g):

• Calories: 8 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Contains compounds with potent medicinal properties, including allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties
• May help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure
• Supports immune system function

Paprika (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 6 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Good source of antioxidants, including vitamin C and carotenoids, which help protect cells from damage
• Contains capsaicin, which may help reduce appetite and boost metabolism
• May have anti-inflammatory properties

Salt and Pepper (to taste):

• Calories: negligible

benefits:

• Provide flavor to dishes
• Salt contains essential electrolytes, such as sodium and chloride, necessary for hydration and nerve function
• Black pepper contains piperine, which may improve digestion and enhance nutrient absorption

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific brand of ingredients used and any variations in preparation. Additionally, the values provided are for the entire quantity listed in the recipe. If you'd like more precise nutritional information, you may consider using a nutrition calculator or consulting nutrition labels on specific ingredients.