Welcome to Culinary Compass! Today, we demystify the art of making perfect, layered Borek (Turkish savory pastry) right in your home kitchen. Forget store-bought phyllo dough—this recipe uses a simple, quick dough enriched with milk, eggs, and a special ingredient (vinegar!) that guarantees exceptional flakiness and crispiness.
This technique is accessible even if you are new to baking, proving that gourmet results don’t require professional cooking techniques or hours of waiting. We’ll show you how to prepare a deliciously savory filling of fresh spinach and Kashar cheese, sautéed with aromatic spices. Learn the simple rolling and coiling methods to achieve the beautiful, traditional spiral shape.
If you’re seeking to expand your culinary education and master classic Mediterranean flavors, this Borek is the perfect recipe. Don’t forget to like this video and subscribe to Culinary Compass for more healthy living and gourmet recipes!
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THE BOREK RECIPE
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DOUGH INGREDIENTS:
* 1 glass (approx. 4oz) Water
* 1 glass (approx. 4oz) Milk
* 1 glass (approx. 4oz) Olive Oil (or vegetable oil)
* 1 Tablespoon Vinegar (apple cider or red wine)
* 2 Teaspoons Baking Soda
* 1 Medium Egg
* 1 Teaspoon Heaping Salt
* 4.5 Cups Flour (plus extra for kneading)
SPINACH & CHEESE FILLING:
* 0.5 glass Olive Oil
* 1 Medium Onion, finely chopped
* 1 Teaspoon Paprika
* 0.5 Teaspoon Salt
* Pinch Black Pepper
* 0.5 lb Spinach, soaked, cleaned, and finely chopped
* 3.5 oz Grated Kashar Cheese (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Combine all liquid ingredients (water, milk, oil, vinegar, baking soda, egg, salt) and whisk well.
2. Gradually add flour, kneading for 3-4 minutes until a soft, non-sticky dough forms. There is no need to rest the dough immediately.
3. Roll the dough into a log and divide it into 12 equal portions. Shape into balls, cover tightly, and allow to rest for 30 minutes.
4. Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil, sauté chopped onion until golden. Add paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 30 seconds. Add spinach to the pan and turn off the heat, allowing it to wilt slightly. Stir in the grated cheese and transfer to a bowl to cool.
5. Roll out each dough ball (using flour minimally) to about a 14-inch diameter. Brush the entire surface with olive oil (or melted butter).
6. Fold the dough in half. Place the filling lengthwise along the longer side. Loosely roll the dough, twisting it gently, then coil it into a spiral shape, tucking the end underneath.
7. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until golden brown and crispy.
Dining and Cooking