Somebody STOP ME! These delights are my nemesis! I like to consider myself a fitness fan and I love eating clean but as soon as I fall off that health wagon you will undoubtedly find me lurking around one of the bakers off the main square in Novalja munching of one of these bad boys!
Burek is a delicious pastry that has been enjoyed for centuries in Croatia and surrounding countries. This savory treat is made by layering thin sheets of dough with a variety of fillings, creating a flaky and satisfying meal that can be eaten at any time of the day.
Whether you're a fan of meat, cheese, or vegetables, there's a burek to suit everyone's taste. They are available all over in bakeries (Pekerna), restaurants and Croatian supermarkets!
What is Burek?
Burek is a delicious and satisfying pastry that is made by layering thin sheets of dough with a filling of your choice. The dough is typically made from flour, water, salt, and olive oil, and is rolled out into thin sheets that are layered with the filling. The burek is then baked in the oven until golden brown and flaky. They are addictive!
History of The Burek
A brief history of Burek: This is the cause of many a debate, especially here in Novalja. Burek has a rich history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. It is thought to have originated in the Middle East and spread throughout the Balkans over the centuries. Today, the burek is a staple food in Croatia and other surrounding countries, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. But who has original ownership of the Burek, now hat is the BIG question.
The popularity of Burek: Burek is extremely popular in Croatia and surrounding countries, where it is often eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It is widely available in bakeries and cafes, as well as in street markets and food stalls.
Types of Burek
There are many different types of burek, each with its own unique flavor and texture. Here are three of the most popular types:
Meat Burek: Meat burek is my ABSOLUTE FAVOURITE! and is made by filling the dough with a mixture of ground meat (such as beef, pork, or lamb), diced onion, minced garlic, and spices. The filling is then layered between the sheets of dough, creating a savory and filling pastry.
Cheese Burek: Cheese burek is my least favourite! I am not a big cheese fan! Yes, fancy that, even though I live in one of the cheese capitals of the world! The cheese versiont is possibly the most popular version of burek eaten here in Croatia! It is made by filling the dough with a mixture of feta cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. The cheese filling is then layered between the sheets of dough, creating a creamy and delicious pastry.
Vegetable Burek: Vegetable burek is made by filling the dough with a mixture of diced potatoes, zucchini, eggplant, onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. The vegetable filling is then layered between the sheets of dough, creating a healthy and flavorful pastry.
Apple Burek: Apple bureks are a sweet and fruity twist on the traditional savory burek. Instead of a meat or cheese filling, apple bureks are filled with a mixture of diced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and other spices. The apples are layered between the sheets of dough, creating a sweet and satisfying pastry that is perfect for breakfast or as a dessert.
Variations of Burek in different countries: Burek is a popular food in many countries throughout the Balkans and Europe, and each country has its own unique variations of the dish, thus the argument over where it originated! For example, in Turkey, the burek is often filled with a mixture of meat and cheese, while in Greece, the burek is often filled with spinach and feta cheese. No matter where you go, you're sure to find a delicious and satisfying burek!
Burek Food Recipe: Ingredients and Preparation
The Dough
The base of a burek is the dough, which is made from four simple ingredients: flour, water, salt, and olive oil. Here's what you'll need:
Flour: You'll need flour to create the structure of the dough. All-purpose flour works well for burek dough.
Water: You'll need water to bring the dough together and create a soft and pliable texture.
Salt: Salt is added to enhance the flavor of the dough.
Olive oil: Olive oil is added to the dough for flavor and to help create a tender, flaky texture.
The Filling
There are many different types of fillings that you can use for burek, including meat, cheese, and vegetables. Here are three popular filling options:
Meat filling
Ground meat (beef, pork, or lamb): You'll need ground meat as the base of your filling. Choose your favorite type of meat, or use a combination of different meats.
Onion: You'll need diced onion to add flavor and texture to the filling.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds extra flavor to the filling.
Salt: Salt is added to enhance the flavor of the filling.
Pepper: Pepper is added to add a little bit of heat to the filling.
Optional: paprika, cumin, parsley: You can add additional spices to the filling to create a unique flavor.
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Cheese filling
Feta cheese: Feta cheese is a tangy and salty cheese that is a great option for burek filling.
Ricotta cheese: Ricotta cheese is a creamy and mild cheese that adds richness to the filling.
Parmesan cheese: Parmesan cheese is a salty and nutty cheese that adds flavor to the filling.
Egg: An egg is added to the cheese filling to help bind it together.
Salt: Salt is added to enhance the flavor of the cheese filling.
Pepper: Pepper is added to add a little bit of heat to the cheese filling.
Vegetable filling
Potatoes: Diced potatoes add a starchy and satisfying texture to the filling.
Zucchini: Diced zucchini adds a fresh and crunchy texture to the filling.
Eggplant: Diced eggplant adds a rich and meaty texture to the filling.
Onion: You'll need diced onion to add flavor and texture to the vegetable filling.
Garlic: Minced garlic adds extra flavor to the vegetable filling.
Salt: Salt is added to enhance the flavor of the vegetable filling.
Pepper: Pepper is added to add a little bit of heat to the vegetable filling.
Let's Prepare!
Making burek is a pretty simple and straightforward process that involves four basic steps: preparing the dough, preparing the filling, assembling the burek, and baking the burek. Here's what you need to know:
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
Mixing the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and olive oil together. Slowly add water and mix until a soft, pliable dough forms.
Kneading the dough: Knead the dough for 5-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.
Letting the dough rest: Place the dough in a bowl, cover it with a cloth, and let it rest for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
Cooking the meat (if using): If you're making a meat filling, cook the ground meat in a pan until it is browned and fully cooked.
Cooking the vegetables (if using): If you're making a vegetable filling, cook the diced vegetables in a pan until they are tender and fully cooked.
Mixing the cheese filling (if using): If you're making a cheese filling, mix the feta cheese, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, and pepper together in a bowl until well combined.
Step 3: Assembling the Burek
Rolling out the dough: Roll out the dough into thin sheets.
Spooning the filling onto the dough: Spoon the filling onto one of the sheets of dough, spreading it evenly over the surface.
Sealing the edges: Place another sheet of dough on top of the filling and press the edges together to seal the burek. Repeat the process until all of the dough and filling have been used.
Step 4: Baking the Burek
Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C).
Brushing the burek with egg: Beat an egg and brush it over the top of the burek.
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Baking until golden brown: Bake the burek for 30-40 minutes, or until it is golden brown and fully cooked.
And that's it!
With these simple steps, you can make a delicious and satisfying burek that is sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you choose a meat, cheese, or vegetable filling, you're sure to enjoy this delicious and comforting pastry.
Serving Suggestions
Burek can be eaten as a standalone dish or paired with a variety of accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions:
As a breakfast food: Burek is a popular breakfast food in Croatia and surrounding countries. Serve it with a cup of coffee or tea for a satisfying and filling start to your day.
As a lunch or dinner dish: Burek can also be enjoyed as a lunch or dinner dish. Serve it with a salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a balanced and satisfying meal.
As a snack: Burek is a great croatian snack food that can be enjoyed at any time of day. Pack it in a lunchbox or bring it along for a snack on the go.
Accompaniments: There are many different accompaniments that you can serve with burek, depending on your taste preferences. Here are some popular options:
Yogurt: Yogurt is a cooling and tangy accompaniment that pairs well with burek.
Arugula salad: Arugula is a spicy and flavorful green that adds a fresh and crunchy texture to the dish.
Roasted vegetables: Roasted vegetables add a healthy and flavorful component to the dish.
Salsa or hot sauce: Salsa or hot sauce adds a spicy kick to the dish.
Burek: Summary
Burek is a food that truly has something for everyone. Especially ME!
The flaky and buttery dough, combined with the rich and flavorful filling, make burek a truly satisfying and comforting food.
Whether you're looking for a quick and easy snack or a special treat, the burek is a great option that is sure to hit the spot.
So why not give it a try today? Your taste buds will thank you!
Maybe not the waist line though!
WARNING: Bureks are HIGHLY addictive!