Börek with Cheese and Spinach

Börek with Cheese and Spinach is a savory Turkish pastry that combines flaky layers of dough with a rich filling of creamy cheese and nutritious spinach. Perfect as a snack or main course, this dish offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

• Yufka (or phyllo dough) - 4 sheets
• Spinach - 200 grams, fresh or thawed if frozen
• Feta cheese - 100 grams, crumbled
• Ricotta cheese - 100 grams
• Olive oil - 3 tablespoons
• Onion - 1 small, finely chopped
• Garlic - 1 clove, minced
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/4 teaspoon
• Egg - 1, beaten (for egg wash)

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the spinach to the skillet, cooking until wilted (if fresh) or warmed through (if frozen). Season with salt and black pepper, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta and ricotta cheeses with the cooled spinach mixture. Mix well until combined.
5. Lay one sheet of yufka (or phyllo) on a clean surface and brush with olive oil. Place another sheet on top and brush with olive oil again.
6. Place a generous amount of the spinach and cheese filling along one edge of the dough, then roll it up tightly into a cylinder.
7. Shape the cylinder into a spiral (coil) and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining sheets and filling.
8. Brush the tops of the spirals with the beaten egg to give them a golden color when baked.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 15 g
• Carbs: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in vitamins A and C from spinach, promoting eye health and immune function.
• Provides a good source of protein and calcium from the cheese, supporting bone health.

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