Homemade Balkan Burek Rolls

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) puff pastry dough 500g (1.1 lb) puff pastry dough
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef 250g (8.8 oz) ground beef
• 250g (8.8 oz) ground lamb 250g (8.8 oz) ground lamb
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 100g (3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 100g (3.5 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for brushing Olive oil for brushing

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 2g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the ground beef and lamb to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through.
4. 4.
   Stir in the diced red bell pepper, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
5. 5.
   Roll out the puff pastry dough into a rectangle shape. Spread the meat mixture evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. 6.
   Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the meat mixture.
7. 7.
   Starting from one long side, tightly roll the dough into a log shape.
8. 8.
   Cut the log into smaller rolls, approximately 5cm (2 inches) in width.
9. 9.
   Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each roll.
10. 10.
    Brush the tops of the rolls with olive oil.
11. 11.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
12. 12.
    Serve the Homemade Balkan Burek Rolls warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Puff pastry dough — Ensure that the dough is thawed properly before rolling it out. If using homemade dough, make sure it is chilled and firm for easier handling.
• Ground beef and lamb — Use lean cuts of meat for a healthier option. Make sure to cook the meat thoroughly to ensure food safety.
• Feta cheese — Opt for high-quality feta cheese for the best flavor. If desired, you can substitute it with another type of crumbly cheese like goat cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the meat with a combination of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and crumbled tofu.
• Experiment with different fillings such as spinach and feta, or roasted vegetables and goat cheese.
• Serve the Burek Rolls with a side of plain yogurt or tzatziki sauce for a refreshing contrast.
• Leftover Burek Rolls can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
• Freeze unbaked Burek Rolls for future use. Just thaw and bake as needed.

Serving advice

Serve the Homemade Balkan Burek Rolls as a main course accompanied by a fresh salad or as an appetizer for a gathering. They are best enjoyed warm.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Burek Rolls on a platter, showcasing their golden-brown color and spiral shape. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or dill for an added touch of freshness.