...
Go Back
+ servings
Börek (Savoury Filled Pastry)

Turkish Börek (Savoury Pastry)

​Turkish börek is a savoury pastry featuring flaky phyllo dough filled with a mixture of spinach, feta cheese, and herbs, offering a delightful combination of crispy texture and rich flavours. ​
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizers
Servings 4
Calories 2076 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking dish​ (approximately 8 x 12 inches)​
  • Pastry brush​
  • Damp dish towel to keep phyllo sheets moist
  • Sharp knife for cutting the börek before baking

Ingredients
  

For the Filling:

  • 200 g feta cheese crumbled
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley finely chopped
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: Spinach ground beef, or other fillings of your choice

For the Pastry:

  • 8 sheets of yufka Turkish phyllo dough or phyllo dough
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 large egg

For Garnish:

  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds or nigella seeds

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Prepare a large baking sheet by greasing it lightly or lining it with parchment paper for easier clean up. This will prevent the börek from sticking and ensure an even bake.
  • In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese and finely chopped parsley. Season with a pinch of black pepper. If the feta is not too salty, add a pinch of salt, but be cautious as feta can be quite salty. Mix well until the filling is evenly combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, milk, and egg. This mixture will act as a coating for the yufka sheets, helping to keep them moist and impart a golden finish during baking.
  • Lay one sheet of yufka on a clean work surface. Lightly brush the top with the butter-milk mixture. Place another sheet of yufka on top and brush again. Repeat this process with two more layers, so you have four layers brushed and stacked.
  • Spread half of the feta and parsley filling evenly across the surface of the layered yufka. Roll the sheets gently but firmly into a log shape, ensuring the filling remains in place. Place this roll seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Repeat steps 4 and 5 with the remaining yufka sheets and filling to make a second roll. Arrange both rolls on the baking sheet, ensuring there’s a small gap between them.
  • Brush the tops of the rolls generously with the remaining butter-milk mixture. Sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds on top for an added crunch and traditional Turkish flavour. The seeds also give a lovely appearance once baked.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the rolls are golden brown and crisp. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Slice into portions and serve warm. Börek pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh salad or a cup of Turkish tea for an authentic experience.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 2076kcalCarbohydrates: 302gProtein: 50gFat: 71gSaturated Fat: 31gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 27gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 3339mgPotassium: 568mgFiber: 11gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 1661IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 389mgIron: 19mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!