Main Course · Mediterranean · Middle Eastern ·

Turkish Spinach Borek with Spiced Lamb Filling

Name: Turkish Spinach Borek with Spiced Lamb Filling
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 160 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Ground lamb, 500 g; Fresh spinach, washed and chopped, 200 g; Large onion, finely chopped, 1; Garlic, minced, 3 cloves; Olive oil, 1 tbsp; Ground cumin, 1 tsp; Ground cinnamon, 1 tsp; Salt and pepper to taste; Phyllo dough, 500 g; Melted butter, 150 g; Egg, 1; Milk, 1 tbsp; Sesame seeds, 2 tbsp; Nigella seeds, 2 tbsp

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

4.8(149 reviews)

·By Ethan Brooks·November 17, 2025

Turkish Spinach Borek with Spiced Lamb Filling — Main Course served and photographed from above

Prep

40 min

Cook

2 h

Difficulty

Intermediate

Serves

Ingredients

Servings

For the Filling

For the Pastry

For the Egg Wash

For the Topping

Nutrition

Per serving

Calories: 590 kcal
Protein: 19.5 g
Carbs: 43.75 g
Fat: 36.38 g
Fiber: 3 g

Whole recipe

Total

Calories: 4721 kcal
Protein: 156 g
Carbs: 350 g
Fat: 291 g
Fiber: 24 g

Breakdown by ingredient▾

Ingredient	Cal	P	C	F	Fib
Ground lamb 500 g	1430	98	0	115	0
Fresh spinach, washed and chopped 200 g	50	6	10	1	5
Large onion, finely chopped 1	44	1	10	0	2
Garlic, minced 3 cloves	13	1	3	0	0
Olive oil 1 tbsp	120	0	0	14	0
Ground cumin 1 tsp	8	0	1	0	1
Ground cinnamon 1 tsp	6	0	2	0	1
Salt and pepper to taste	0	0	0	0	0
Phyllo dough 500 g	1690	36	310	23	10
Melted butter 150 g	1075	1	1	120	0
Egg 1	70	6	1	5	0
Milk 1 tbsp	9	0	1	0	0
Sesame seeds 2 tbsp	105	3	3	9	2
Nigella seeds 2 tbsp	91	4	8	4	3

These are estimates, not dietary advice.

Preparation

Get these tasks done before you start cooking.

Marinating the Lamb

1
Combine lamb with spices
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, cumin, cinnamon, and a pinch each of salt and pepper.
2
Marinate
Let the mixture marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3
Sauté onion and garlic
Meanwhile, sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until softened.

Preparing the Filling

1
Cook lamb
Add the marinated lamb to the onion and garlic mixture in the skillet. Cook until browned.
2
Add spinach
Stir in the chopped spinach, cooking until wilted and any liquid evaporates.
Tip: Squeeze excess moisture from the spinach to maintain a crispy pastry.
3
Cool filling
Let the filling cool slightly before use.
Tip: Ensure the filling is cooled before assembling the borek to prevent the phyllo from becoming soggy.

How to Make Turkish Spinach Borek with Spiced Lamb Filling

Total time: 2 h 40 min · Yields 4 servings

1
Assembling the Borek
Spread a layer of melted butter between each phyllo sheet for a crispy texture.
2
Folding the Borek
Place filling on each strip, roll into a log, then form it into a spiral.
3
Baking the Borek
Brush with egg wash, sprinkle with seeds, and bake until golden brown.
4
Timing
Marinating and Prep: 30 minutes; Baking: 30-35 minutes.
5
Heat Guide
Baking: 180°C (350°F); Sautéing: Medium heat.