Turkish Spinach Borek with Spiced Lamb Filling

Name: Turkish Spinach Borek with Spiced Lamb Filling
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Ground lamb; Fresh spinach, washed and chopped; Large onion, finely chopped; Garlic, minced; Olive oil; Ground cumin; Ground cinnamon; Salt and pepper to taste; Phyllo dough; Melted butter; Egg; Milk; Sesame seeds; Nigella seeds

A savory pastry delight with aromatic spices

Enjoy these flaky Turkish pastries filled with a flavorful blend of spiced lamb and fresh spinach.

2 h
8 servings
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Filling

Ground lamb

500 g

Fresh spinach, washed and chopped

200 g

Large onion, finely chopped

Garlic, minced

3 cloves

Olive oil

1 tbsp

Ground cumin

1 tsp

Ground cinnamon

1 tsp

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pastry

Phyllo dough

500 g

Melted butter

150 g

For the Egg Wash

Egg

Milk

1 tbsp

For the Topping

Sesame seeds

2 tbsp

Nigella seeds

2 tbsp

Preparation

Marinating the Lamb

Combine lamb with spices

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, cumin, cinnamon, and a pinch each of salt and pepper.

Marinate

Let the mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Sauté onion and garlic

Meanwhile, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.

Preparing the Filling

Cook lamb

Add the marinated lamb to the onion and garlic mixture in the skillet. Cook until browned.

Add spinach

Stir in the chopped spinach, cooking until wilted and any liquid evaporates.

Squeeze excess moisture from the spinach to maintain a crispy pastry.

Cool filling

Let the filling cool slightly before use.

Ensure the filling is cooled before assembling the borek to prevent the phyllo from becoming soggy.

Cooking Process

Assembling the Borek

Spread a layer of melted butter between each phyllo sheet for a crispy texture.

Folding the Borek

Place filling on each strip, roll into a log, then form it into a spiral.

Baking the Borek

Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with seeds, and bake until golden brown.

Timing

Marinating and Prep: 30 minutes; Baking: 30-35 minutes.

Heat Guide

Baking: 180°C (350°F); Sautéing: Medium heat.

Plating & Serving