Turkish Pastry With Cheese and Spinach
Make a meal or snack out of this delicious and unique Turkish pastry With Cheese and Spinach! Filled with spinach and cheese, the dough is rich, flaky and truly comforting. Enjoy this dish as an appetiser or side to a main course - it's sure to satisfy any taste!
Turkish Pastry with Cheese and Spinach - A Delightful Treat
The Ultimate Guide to Making the Best Turkish Spinach and Feta Borek
This recipe is one I have been making for as long as I can remember. The Turkish Borek is a go to for dinner parties, light dinners, lunches and it even has a place on the breakfast table. Regularly served in Turkish households, they come in a variation of shapes, sizes and flavours.
I have been making my classic recipe of leek, spinach, feta and parsley for almost a decade. Therefore, trust me when I say I have really perfected the recipe. In this recipe however, parsley has been replaced with basil and oh wasn't that a treat! This borek was literally the best I have ever made and I believe this is because I didn't just eyeball all the ingredients, I took the time to mindfully add ingredients, taste test as I went along and contemplate/plan through in my head every stage of the process.
I am not ashamed to say that I always buy prepared dough from my local supermarkets or middle eastern stores. In fact this one was less than a pound from my local Arabic store and it was by far the best, flakiest pastry I have ever used, so I will be stocking up on a few of them.
A staple in the Mediterranean diet
Turkish pastries are a staple in the Mediterranean diet, and one of the most popular varieties is the cheese and spinach pastry. This delicious and nutritious snack is the perfect combination of savory cheese and nutrient-rich spinach, wrapped in a crispy and flaky pastry crust. If you're looking for a tasty and healthy snack, look no further than the Turkish cheese and spinach pastry.
The Perfect Marriage of Cheese and Spinach in Turkish Pastry
The main ingredient in this pastry is, of course, cheese. The type of cheese used in Turkish pastries is typically a salty, crumbly cheese called feta. This cheese is rich in flavor and pairs perfectly with the fresh and tender spinach leaves. The cheese and spinach are carefully layered inside the pastry crust, which is made with a special blend of flours and oils to create the perfect texture. The result is a savory and satisfying snack that's perfect for any time of day.
The Nutritional Benefits of Turkish Pastry with Cheese and Spinach
In addition to its great taste, the Turkish cheese and spinach pastry is also a healthy option. Spinach is one of the most nutritious vegetables around, packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Moreover, it is also low in calories, making it a great option for anyone who's trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy lifestyle. In addition, because the cheese is used in moderation, you don't have to worry about consuming too many calories.
If you're looking to enjoy the best Turkish pastry with cheese and spinach, you should try making it yourself. It's not as difficult as it sounds, and with a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious and healthy snack in no time.
Ingredients
- Packet of store-bought filo pastry
- Feta cheese
- Spinach
- Basil
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter or oil
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Own Turkish Pastry With Cheese and Spinach
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the leek in butter or oil and once softened, add the spinach and basil followed by the seasoning. Sauté everything together until all the vegetables are softened and lightly golden.
- Take the pan off the heat and crumble the feta into the mixture.
- Using 2 phyllo sheets at a time, brush each sheet with oil. Place the filling in a straight line along the long side of the sheet and then gently roll as you would when making a sushi roll.
- Gently roll each borek into a swirl, place on a lined baking tray.
- Mix egg yolk with the oil to make a wash and brush each borek with the egg wash generously.
- This part is optional - sprinkle the sesame seeds on top and place in a preheated oven to bake for 30-40 on 190c electric fan until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What type of cheese is best for this recipe?
2. Can the recipe be made vegan?
Can the pastry dough be made at home?
4. Can the recipe be made ahead of time?
If you do make this recipe, please tag me on Pinterest or Instagram so I can see! It's my favorite thing to scroll through stories and see what you are all making.
And of course feel free to leave any questions, comments, or reviews! This is the best place to reach me, and I'd love to hear from you :)
Must-Try Recipes:
- 2 Leek Stalks Chopped Finely
- 2 cup Chopped Spinach
- 1/2 cup Chopped Basil
- 400 g Feta Cheese
- Pinch of Turmeric
- 1/4 cup Butter or Olive oil
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1 pack Phyllo Sheets
- Sesame seeds to garnish
- 2 Egg Yolks
- 2 tbsp Oil or choice or butter
- Start by frying the leek in butter or oil and once softened, add the spinach and basil followed by the seasoning. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes until all the vegetables are softened and lightly golden.
- Take the pan off the heat, cut the feta into small cubes or crumble the feta into the mixture and combine with the borek filling.
Using 2 phyllo sheets at a time, brush each sheet with oil. Place the filling in a straight line along the long side of the sheet and then gently roll as you would when making a sushi roll.
- Gently roll each borek into a swirl, place on a lined baking tray, mix the egg yolk with the oil to make a wash and brush each borek with the egg wash generously. This part is optional, sprinkle the sesame seeds on top and place in a preheated oven to bake for 30-40 on 190c electric fan until golden.
- Serve alongside olives and a fresh leafy salad.
I'm Nelly, the recipes I share here are inspired by the people, cultures and places beloved to me. Peanutswirls represents my love for food, cooking and hosting. I hope to share with you a taste of the Middle East influnced by my upbringing in the West.
I can't wait to see what we cook together.
