Börek - Flaky Pastry Filled with Cheese, Spinach, or Minced Meat

Ingredients:

• For the Dough:

  • 1 package of phyllo dough
  • 1/2 cup melted butter

• For the Cheese Filling:

  • 2 cups crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• For the Spinach Filling:

  • 2 cups chopped spinach, cooked and squeezed dry
  • 1 onion, finely chopped and sautéed
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg

• For the Meat Filling:

  • 1/2 pound ground beef or lamb
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions:

1. Prepare the Fillings:

   • Cheese Filling: Mix feta, ricotta, egg, and parsley in a bowl.
   • Spinach Filling: Combine spinach, sautéed onion, feta, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
   • Meat Filling: Cook ground meat with onions and garlic until browned. Add spices and parsley, and cook for a few more minutes.

2. Assemble the Börek:

   • Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a baking sheet.
   • Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on the working surface. Brush with melted butter. Place another sheet on top, brush with more butter. Add your choice of filling along one edge of the phyllo stack.
   • Roll up the dough with the filling inside, then coil into a spiral or fold into a parcel. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

3. Bake:

   • Brush the tops of the börek with more melted butter. Bake for about 30-35 minutes, or until golden and crisp.

4. Serve:

   • Allow to cool slightly before serving. Börek can be served warm or at room temperature.