Here’s a delicious burek recipe for you! Burek is a popular savory pastry in the Balkans, and it’s usually filled with meat, cheese, or spinach. This recipe is for a classic meat-filled burek.
Ingredients
Dough:
- 500g (about 4 cups) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 250 ml (1 cup) lukewarm water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Filling:
- 500g (about 1 lb) ground beef or lamb
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For Assembling:
- 100g (about 1/2 cup) melted butter or vegetable oil for brushing
Instructions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
- Gradually add lukewarm water and vegetable oil, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Divide the dough into 4 equal parts, shape them into balls, and coat lightly with oil.
- Cover the dough balls with plastic wrap and let them rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
- Add the ground meat, salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Burek:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F).
- On a lightly floured surface, take one dough ball and roll it out as thin as possible into a large rectangle or circle.
- Brush the dough with melted butter or oil.
- Spread a portion of the meat filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough into a thin log, then shape it into a spiral or coil.
- Repeat with the remaining dough balls and filling.
- Place the burek spirals onto a greased baking tray, brush the tops with more melted butter or oil.
4. Bake the Burek:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy your homemade burek!