3 Delicious Recipes: Classic Cheese Börek, Traditional Su Böreği & Spinach Börek

Börek is a beloved savoury pastry that has travelled through centuries and across regions, originating from the kitchens of the Ottoman Empire. Known for its flaky texture and versatile fillings, börek has become a staple in Turkish, Middle Eastern, and Balkan cuisines.

Its adaptability and rich flavours have led to countless regional variations, each reflecting the culture and ingredients of the area. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast treat, snack, or part of a hearty meal, börek is a culinary gem that connects history and taste.

The Origins of Börek

The history of börek dates back to the Turkic tribes of Central Asia, who first introduced the idea of layered dough. As these tribes migrated westward, they brought their culinary traditions with them, influencing the regions they settled in. The Ottoman Empire played a significant role in popularizing börek, adapting it with local ingredients and spreading it across their vast territory.

In Türkiye, börek evolved into various forms, including crispy phyllo-based versions like Cheese Börek and more intricate dishes such as Su Böreği, where the dough is boiled before baking. In the Balkans, variations like spinach or meat-filled börek became household staples, further showcasing the dish's versatility. Its ability to bring people together over shared meals has made börek an enduring symbol of hospitality and celebration.

Three Iconic Börek Recipes

To showcase the diversity of this dish, here are three distinct börek recipes. The table below highlights the key ingredients, preparation methods, and approximate baking times for each type.

Type	Key Ingredients	Preparation Method	Baking Time
Cheese Börek	Feta cheese, parsley, phyllo dough, butter	Layer phyllo dough, fill with cheese mixture, and bake	25-30 minutes
Su Böreği	Homemade dough, feta cheese, butter	Boil dough layers, layer with cheese, and bake	30-35 minutes
Spinach Börek	Spinach, feta cheese, phyllo dough, onion	Sauté spinach, layer with phyllo, and bake	30-35 minutes

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Classic Cheese Börek

This crispy, savoury börek is filled with a simple yet flavorful mixture of feta cheese and parsley, making it a timeless favourite.

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• • 400g (about 14 oz) of feta cheese or white cheese (you can also mix with ricotta for a creamier texture)
  • 1/2 cup of finely chopped parsley (optional)
  • 1/2 cup of grated mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
  • 1 egg (to bind the filling, optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Börek Pastry:

• • 1 package of phyllo dough (usually around 20-25 sheets)
  • 1/2 cup of melted butter or olive oil (to brush between layers)
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten (for brushing on top)

Instructions:

Prepare the filling: In a bowl, crumble the feta cheese and mix with the parsley, mozzarella, and a beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper. Set the mixture aside.

Prepare the dough:

• • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • If using frozen phyllo dough, let it thaw according to the package instructions.
  • On a clean surface, unroll the phyllo dough and keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth so they don’t dry out.

Assemble the Börek:

• • Take one sheet of phyllo dough and place it on a clean surface. Brush it lightly with melted butter or olive oil.
  • Place another sheet on top and brush it again. Continue layering and brushing, using about 5-6 sheets of phyllo dough.
  • Once you have layered and buttered the sheets, spread an even layer of the cheese filling along one edge of the dough.
  • Roll the dough with the filling into a tight cylinder or coil, starting from the edge with the filling.
  • Once rolled, place the coil in a greased baking dish (round or square). You can coil it in a spiral shape, or you can make several smaller rolls, depending on the size of your dish.

Bake the Börek:

• • Brush the top of the rolled börek with the beaten egg to give it a golden colour when baked.
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the dough is golden and crispy.

Serve: Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Optional Variations:

• Spinach Börek: You can replace the cheese with cooked spinach and a little onion for a healthier version.
• Meat Börek: Use minced lamb, beef, or chicken, sautéed with onions, garlic, and spices like paprika and cumin.

Börek can be enjoyed hot or cold, and it makes a great appetizer, breakfast, or snack!

Su Böreği (Water Börek)

Su Böreği is a traditional Turkish dish made with layers of dough, typically boiled first, then baked. It's different from regular börek because the dough is boiled rather than using phyllo sheets, giving it a softer texture. Here's how you can make it:

Ingredients:

For the Börek dough:

• • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 cup of water (add more if needed)

For the filling:

• • 400g (about 14 oz) of feta cheese or white cheese (you can mix it with ricotta for a creamy filling)
  • 1/2 cup of chopped parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For assembling:

• • 1/2 cup of melted butter (for brushing between layers)
  • 1 egg (for brushing the top)

Instructions:

Make the dough: Mix the flour, salt, egg, and water in a bowl. Knead until the dough is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine the feta cheese and parsley. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Boil the dough:

• • After resting, divide the dough into 6-8 equal portions.
  • Roll each portion into thin sheets (as thin as possible).
  • Boil a large pot of salted water, then gently drop the dough sheets into the water for 1-2 minutes until soft and slightly stretchy.
  • Remove and drain on a clean kitchen towel.

Assemble the Su Böreği:

• • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Grease a large baking dish with butter.
  • Place one sheet of dough on the bottom of the dish, brush it with melted butter, and top with a layer of cheese filling.
  • Repeat layering the dough, buttering each sheet, and adding the cheese filling, until all dough and filling is used.
  • For the final top layer, use the last dough sheet, brush with butter, and beat an egg to brush on top.

Bake the Börek:

• • Place the assembled börek in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden and crispy on top.
  • Once done, allow it to cool slightly before slicing.

Spinach Börek

Spinach Börek is a healthy and delicious variation of the classic börek, filled with spinach and often combined with feta cheese. It's savoury, flavorful, and a perfect vegetarian option!

Ingredients:

For the filling:

• • 500g (about 1 lb) fresh spinach (washed and chopped)
  • 200g (about 7 oz) feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 1 onion (optional, finely chopped)
  • 2 tablespoons of olive oil (for sautéing)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the dough:

• • 1 package of phyllo dough (usually around 20-25 sheets)
  • 1/2 cup of melted butter or olive oil (to brush between layers)
  • 1 egg (for brushing on top)

Instructions:

Prepare the filling:

• • Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then sauté the chopped onions (if using) until soft and golden.
  • Add the spinach to the pan and sauté until wilted and any excess moisture evaporates. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  • In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach and onion with crumbled feta cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Prepare the dough:

• • Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
  • Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush it lightly with melted butter or olive oil.
  • Place another sheet on top and brush it again. Repeat for 4-5 layers.

Assemble the Börek:

• • Spread an even layer of the spinach and cheese filling along one edge of the dough.
  • Roll the dough tightly with the filling, creating a log or coil.
  • Place the rolled börek in a greased baking dish, spiralling it if needed.

Bake the Börek:

• • Brush the top of the börek with the beaten egg for a golden, shiny finish.
  • Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the dough is crispy and golden brown.

Serve: Let the spinach börek cool slightly before cutting into slices and serving. Enjoy!

Both Su Böreği and Spinach Börek are delicious variations of the traditional börek. The first is soft and chewy due to the boiled dough, while the second is crispy and filled with a savoury spinach and cheese mixture!

Börek’s Cultural Significance

Börek is more than just a dish; it’s a symbol of tradition and community. In Türkiye, börek is a central part of family gatherings, holiday feasts, and even everyday meals. The dish’s variations reflect the diversity of the regions it has touched, from cheese-filled börek in the Levant to potato-filled versions in the Balkans. Its preparation is often a shared experience, with multiple hands helping to layer, fill, and shape the dough. The universal appeal of börek lies in its ability to bring people together, whether around a breakfast table or at a festive celebration.

Whether you prefer the crispy layers of Cheese Börek, the soft and rich texture of Su Böreği, or the hearty flavours of Spinach Börek, this iconic dish offers something for everyone. By trying these recipes, you’ll not only enjoy delicious food but also partake in a culinary tradition steeped in history and culture. So, roll up your sleeves, layer your dough, and bring the joy of börek to your table!