How to Make the Perfect Borek
Turkish · Medium · 60 min · 6 servings
Turkish borek is a flaky and golden pastry made with layers of thin yufka or phyllo dough filled with a savory mixture of feta cheese and fresh herbs, brushed with egg wash and baked to perfection. It is a versatile dish enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of a larger spread.
Why this recipe works
This Borek recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 60 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 390 calories with 14g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 6 sheets phyllo or yufka pastry dough
- 300 g feta cheese crumbled
- 1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 80 ml whole milk
- 60 ml olive oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling and Egg Wash
Combine crumbled feta and chopped parsley in a bowl and mix well. In a separate bowl whisk together 2 eggs, milk, and olive oil to create the liquid mixture used between layers.
Step 2: Layer the Pastry
Brush a large rectangular baking tray with oil. Lay down two sheets of phyllo dough, brush generously with the egg and milk mixture, then repeat with two more sheets.
Step 3: Add Filling and Top Layers
Spread the feta and parsley filling evenly over the pastry. Layer the remaining phyllo sheets on top, brushing each with the egg mixture. Beat the remaining egg and brush over the very top layer, then score into rectangles.
Step 4: Bake Until Flaky and Golden
Bake at 180C for 30 to 35 minutes until the top is deeply golden brown and the pastry is crisp and flaky throughout. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before cutting along the scored lines.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- feta cheese → ricotta mixed with spinach for a milder filling
- phyllo dough → puff pastry for a richer, butterier result
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not brushing enough oil or egg mixture between layers which results in dry tough pastry
- Skipping the resting time after baking which causes the layers to crumble when cut
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 390 calories, 14g protein, 38g carbs, 22g fat, 2g fiber.
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