Description
Mouthwatering Kiymali Borek Recipe for Effortless Entertaining
Ingredients
Scale
- 14 oz Ground Beef or Lamb (swap with ground turkey or a plant-based alternative)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (any neutral oil can be substituted)
- 3 medium Onions (finely chopped; shallots can be an alternative)
- 2 cloves Garlic (finely chopped; garlic powder can be used as a substitute)
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust based on dietary needs)
- 1 tsp Paprika (use smoked paprika for a different flavor profile)
- ½ tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (can be replaced with cayenne for extra spice)
- 1 medium Egg (vegan alternative: flaxseed meal mixed with water)
- ⅓ cup Vegetable Oil (substitute with melted coconut oil if desired)
- ⅓ cup Milk (use plant-based milk for dairy-free options)
- 2 tbsp Greek Yoghurt or Natural Yoghurt (opt for dairy-free yogurt if necessary)
- 1 tbsp Cider Vinegar or White Wine Vinegar (lemon juice can be a substitute)
- 3 pieces Yufka Sheets (filo pastry can be used if yufka is unavailable)
- 2 tbsp Melted Butter (can be replaced with olive oil for a dairy-free option)
- Sesame Seeds, Nigella Seeds, or Poppy Seeds (for sprinkling)
Instructions
- In a heavy-based pan over medium heat, brown the ground beef or lamb until it releases its fat. Stir often to break up the meat and achieve an even cook, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the finely chopped onions and garlic to the rendered fat. Cook until the onions become soft and translucent, roughly 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, then let cool.
- In a bowl, whisk together the egg, vegetable oil, milk, yogurt, and vinegar until smooth. This mixture will help bind the borek and add creaminess.
- Set your oven to preheat at 360°F (180°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when the borek are assembled.
- Lay a yufka sheet on a clean, dry surface. Drizzle a bit of the sauce over it, then fold it to form a square parcel, ensuring the edges are sealed well.
- Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each square-shaped yufka. Fold the corners toward the center, creating a neat package, then turn it upside down to keep the seams tucked securely.
- Use melted butter or remaining sauce to brush over each borek. Sprinkle sesame seeds, nigella seeds, or poppy seeds on top for added texture and flavor, then place them on a lined baking tray.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the borek are golden brown and crispy, filling your kitchen with delightful aromas.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg