Su Böreği, a traditional Turkish pastry, is one of the most beloved dishes in Turkish cuisine. Often served at family gatherings, special occasions, and as a comforting treat, this pastry is made with layers of delicate phyllo dough, filled with a savory mixture of cheese and parsley, and baked to a perfect golden crisp. With its rich flavor, flaky texture, and comforting warmth, Su Böreği will transport you straight to the heart of Turkish culinary traditions. In this guide, we will explore how to make this delightful dish from scratch, including tips, substitutions, and nutritional benefits.
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 300g full-fat cheese – The cheese is the heart of the filling. Full-fat cheese, such as feta or a similar soft cheese, adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the flaky dough.
- ½ bunch parsley – Fresh parsley adds a burst of herbal freshness that balances the richness of the cheese. The amount can be adjusted according to personal preference.
For the Sauce:
- 2 eggs – The eggs are used in the sauce to add richness and moisture, binding the ingredients together and helping create a golden, crispy crust on top of the Börek.
- 3 tbsp yogurt – Yogurt provides a slight tang to the sauce while enhancing its creaminess, making it a perfect complement to the cheese filling.
- ½ cup oil (120ml) – Oil contributes to the crispiness of the phyllo dough, ensuring a golden, crunchy texture that contrasts with the soft, cheesy filling.
- ½ cup milk (120ml) – The milk helps to soften the sauce and blend the ingredients together smoothly.
- 2 cups water (500ml) – Water thins the sauce to make it easier to coat the phyllo dough and the filling evenly.
- Salt to taste – Salt brings all the flavors together and enhances the taste of the filling and the sauce.
For Assembling:
- 4 phyllo sheets – Phyllo dough is the base of this pastry, providing layers that bake into a crispy, golden crust. You can find phyllo dough at most grocery stores in the frozen section, or you can make it from scratch if you’re feeling adventurous.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Crumble the cheese: Begin by crumbling the cheese into a bowl. This ensures that the cheese will melt evenly when baked, creating a smooth, creamy filling.
- Chop the parsley: Finely chop the parsley and add it to the crumbled cheese. Stir the mixture to combine, ensuring that the parsley is evenly distributed throughout the cheese. You can adjust the amount of parsley based on your taste preferences.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
- Whisk the sauce ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, milk, oil, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The eggs should be fully beaten, and the mixture should have a creamy texture. This sauce will bind the phyllo dough layers together, helping to create a crispy crust and ensuring that the filling stays in place.
Step 3: Assemble the Börek
- Prepare the baking pan: Lightly grease a baking pan with some oil to prevent the Börek from sticking during baking. A rectangular or square pan works best for this recipe.
- Layer the phyllo dough: Lay the first sheet of phyllo dough in the pan, making sure it covers the bottom completely. Brush the sheet with the sauce mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Repeat this step with the remaining phyllo sheets, layering each one over the previous sheet and brushing each with the sauce.
- Add the filling: After layering a few sheets of dough, spoon half of the cheese and parsley mixture onto the dough, spreading it evenly across the surface. Make sure the filling is well-distributed to ensure that each bite has a perfect balance of cheese and parsley.
- Continue layering: Add another layer of phyllo dough and brush it with sauce. Then, add the rest of the cheese and parsley filling. Repeat the layering process with the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each with the sauce until the entire pan is filled.
Step 4: Bake the Börek
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). The oven should be fully heated before you place the Börek inside.
- Bake the Börek: Place the assembled Börek into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and crispy. During baking, the layers of phyllo dough will puff up and become flaky, while the cheese filling melts and creates a creamy texture. Keep an eye on the Börek to ensure that it doesn’t burn, and rotate the pan if necessary for even cooking.
- Cool and slice: Once the Börek is golden and crispy, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This ensures that the filling stays intact when cut and allows the Börek to set.
Step 5: Serve
- Slice and serve: Slice the Börek into squares or rectangles and serve while still warm. This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven when the phyllo is crispy and the cheese is creamy.
Cooking Tips
- Rotate the pan: If your oven tends to have hot spots, rotate the pan halfway through the baking process to ensure even cooking. This will help achieve an evenly browned crust.
- Cover the phyllo dough: Phyllo dough can dry out quickly, so make sure to cover the remaining sheets with a damp towel while you’re working with the first layer to prevent it from cracking.
- Use fresh phyllo dough: For the best texture and crispiness, use fresh phyllo dough if possible. If you use frozen phyllo dough, make sure to thaw it completely before using it to avoid any tearing or breaking.
- Add more flavor: You can add a pinch of black pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for an extra kick of flavor. Some people also like to add a little bit of olive oil to the top layer of phyllo dough before baking for an extra crispy finish.
Nutritional Benefits
Su Böreği is not just delicious; it also provides several nutritional benefits:
- Protein-rich: The cheese and eggs provide a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Calcium: Cheese is rich in calcium, which is important for strong bones and teeth. The dairy products in this dish contribute to your daily calcium needs.
- Probiotics: Yogurt adds beneficial probiotics to the dish, which help promote healthy digestion and gut health.
- Healthy fats: The oil and yogurt provide healthy fats that are important for energy and overall health.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian: Su Böreği is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat.
- Contains gluten: Since the recipe uses phyllo dough, it is not gluten-free.
- Contains dairy: This recipe includes cheese, yogurt, and milk, so it’s not suitable for those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet.
Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
Storage
- Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store the Su Böreği in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven for a few minutes to restore its crispness.
- Freezing: You can freeze the assembled but unbaked Börek. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
- Reheating: If you prefer to reheat the Börek after it’s been stored, the best method is to warm it in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use feta, ricotta, or any soft cheese that melts well. If you prefer a milder flavor, ricotta works wonderfully, while feta will add a tangier flavor.
Can I make Su Böreği ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the Börek ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it the next day. If freezing, assemble the Börek and freeze it before baking.
How can I make the Börek extra crispy?
To achieve an extra crispy finish, make sure to coat each layer of phyllo dough generously with the sauce. You can also brush the top layer of phyllo with a little more oil before baking.
Can I add meat to the filling?
Yes, you can add cooked minced meat or ground lamb to the filling for a non-vegetarian version. Make sure to season the meat well before adding it to the filling.
How long will Su Böreği last?
Su Böreği is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it in the oven to restore its crispy texture.
Conclusion
Su Böreği is a rich and flavorful dish that showcases the essence of Turkish cuisine. Its layers of crispy phyllo dough, creamy cheese filling, and savory egg sauce make it a delightful treat for any occasion. Whether served as a light meal, a snack, or as part of a festive gathering, this traditional Turkish Börek is sure to impress. By following this recipe and using the tips and suggestions provided, you can recreate this delicious pastry in your own kitchen and enjoy the authentic taste of Turkey.