Burek

Burek

Burek is a savory pastry made with layers of crisp filo dough filled with a flavorful minced beef and onion mixture. This Balkan favorite is baked until golden and perfect for sharing as a warm, comforting meal.

Side

Prep Time

20 min

Cook Time

30 min

Servings

4

Burek is a traditional dish popular throughout the Balkans, known for its crispy, flaky filo pastry and rich, savory meat filling. This recipe highlights the simple yet delicious combination of minced beef and onions, gently seasoned to enhance the natural flavors. The layering technique creates a beautiful contrast between the tender filling and crunchy exterior. Historically, burek has been enjoyed as street food and home-cooked comfort, often served during gatherings or as a satisfying snack with yogurt or a fresh salad. Its versatility allows it to pair wonderfully with a cold glass of ayran or a light, crisp white wine. Making burek requires a bit of patience to layer the filo sheets generously with filling and oil, ensuring each bite is moist yet crisp. Once baked to a golden perfection, slicing into quarters makes for perfect portions ready to serve and enjoy with family or friends.

Ingredients

  • 1 packet Filo Pastry
  • 150 g Minced Beef
  • 150 g Onion
  • 40 g Oil
  • Dash Salt
  • Dash Pepper

Instructions

Begin by heating the oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onions and sauté until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet aroma. Stir in the minced beef, cooking it thoroughly and breaking it up with your spoon until browned. Season the mixture with a dash of salt and pepper to taste, allowing the flavors to meld as you continue cooking for a few more minutes. Prepare a round baking tray by greasing it generously with oil to prevent sticking and to help the pastry crisp beautifully. Lay down your first sheet of filo pastry carefully, letting the edges hang over the tray slightly. Spread a thin layer of the meat and onion filling evenly over the pastry, ensuring every bite will have some delicious filling. Brush the next layer of filo pastry generously with oil before laying it over the filling — this step is key to achieving that golden, flaky texture. Repeat this process of layering filling and oil-coated pastry until you have about five or six layers stacked. Finally, cover the top with a final sheet of filo pastry, giving it a good brush of oil as well to encourage a perfect golden-brown finish. Place the tray in a preheated oven at 200ºC (392ºF) and bake for about 30 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp and beautifully browned. Once baked, remove the burek from the oven and let it rest briefly before cutting it into quarters. This allows the filling to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your burek warm, perhaps with a side of fresh greens or a dollop of creamy yogurt for added delight.

Quick Info

Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4

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