Indulge in the rich culinary tradition of Kosovo with our exquisite Kosovo Burek. This delectable savory pastry boasts a flaky golden crust enveloping a tantalizing filling of your choice – whether it's succulent meat, creamy cheese, wholesome spinach, or savory pumpkin. Each bite is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, a testament to the culinary heritage of the region. Perfect for any occasion, from a hearty breakfast to a satisfying snack or even a delightful main course. Treat your taste buds to the irresistible charm of Kosovo Burek today!

Ingredients:

- 500g all-purpose flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup lukewarm water

- 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For the Filling:

- 250g ground meat (beef or lamb)

- 200g feta cheese, crumbled

- 200g spinach, chopped

- 1 onion, finely chopped

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- Salt and pepper to taste

- Optional:** 200g pumpkin, grated

For Assembly:

- 100g butter, melted

- Additional vegetable oil for brushing

Instructions:

1- Prepare the dough:

  - In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Make a well in the center and gradually pour in the lukewarm water and vegetable oil.

  - Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Form the dough into a ball, cover with a clean towel, and let it rest for 30 minutes.

2- Prepare the filling:

  - In a skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.

  - Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper.

  - If using spinach, add it to the skillet and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.

  - If using pumpkin, sauté it with a bit of oil until softened. Season with salt and pepper. Let it cool.

  - Once cooled, mix the cooked meat mixture with the crumbled feta cheese (and spinach or pumpkin if using). Set aside.

3- Assembly:

  - Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a baking dish.

  - Divide the dough into 4 equal portions. Roll out each portion thinly on a floured surface into a large rectangle.

  - Brush melted butter over the rolled-out dough, then add a layer of the meat-cheese mixture evenly over the dough.

  - Roll up the dough tightly to form a long log. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling.

  - Place the rolled logs in the greased baking dish, spiraling them around to fit. Brush the tops with melted butter.

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

4- Serving:

  - Once baked, let the burek cool slightly before slicing into portions.

  - Serve warm as a delicious snack, appetizer, or part of a meal.

Enjoy your homemade Kosovo Burek filled with your choice of savory fillings!

Nutritional Values :

Nutritional Values (Per Ingredient):

- All-Purpose Flour (500g):

 - Calories: 1750

 - Protein:50g

 - Carbohydrates: 375g

 - Fat:2.5g

 - Fiber:15g

 Benefits:

 - Provides carbohydrates for energy, along with a small amount of protein and fiber for satiety and digestive health.

- Salt (1 teaspoon):

 - Negligible caloric value

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor and balances taste. Plays a role in regulating fluid balance in the body.

- Lukewarm Water (1 cup):

 - Negligible caloric value

Benefits:

 - Essential for hydration and aids in the mixing and formation of dough.

- Vegetable Oil (1/4 cup):

 - Calories: 480

 - Fat:56g

 Benefits:

 - Provides healthy fats, essential for various bodily functions, including hormone production and nutrient absorption.

- Ground Meat (250g, lean beef):

 - Calories:350

 - Protein:30g

 - Fat:25g

Benefits:

 - Excellent source of protein, iron, and various vitamins and minerals essential for muscle growth, repair, and overall health.

  - Feta Cheese (200g):

 - Calories:520

 - Protein:32g

 - Fat:42g

 - Carbohydrates:8g

Benefits:

 - Rich in calcium and protein, contributing to bone health, muscle function, and tissue growth and repair.

- Spinach (200g):

  - Calories:46

 - Protein:6g

 - Carbohydrates:8g

 - Fat:1g

 - Fiber:6g

Benefits:

 - Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall health, including eye health, bone strength, and immune function.

- Onion (1 medium):

 - Calories:44

 - Carbohydrates:10g

 - Fiber:2g

 - Protein:1g

Benefits:

 - Contains antioxidants and compounds that may help reduce inflammation, regulate blood sugar levels, and support heart health.

- Garlic (2 cloves):

 - Calories:10

 - Carbohydrates:2g

Benefits:

 - Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, garlic can help boost the immune system and promote heart health.

- Pumpkin (200g):

 - Calories:42

 - Carbohydrates:10g

 - Fiber:2g

 - Protein:1g

Benefits:

 - High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, supporting digestion, immune function, and overall health.

- Butter (100g):

 - Calories:717

 - Fat:81g

Benefits:

 - Provides energy-dense fat and fat-soluble vitamins like A, E, and K, important for skin health and hormone production.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as brands used and specific product variations. Additionally, the nutritional content may change based on cooking methods and portion sizes.