Betawi-style Beef Burek

Ingredients

In this Betawi adaptation of Burek, we incorporate local Betawi spices and ingredients to infuse the dish with the flavors of Betawi cuisine. The traditional Balkan recipe is modified by using Betawi spices such as nutmeg, coriander, and galangal, which add a distinct and aromatic taste to the beef filling. Additionally, the pastry is made with a combination of wheat flour and rice flour, giving it a unique texture and flavor. We alse have the original recipe for Burek, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef 500g (1.1 lb) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground galangal 1 teaspoon ground galangal
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 250g (2 cups) wheat flour 250g (2 cups) wheat flour
• 100g (1 cup) rice flour 100g (1 cup) rice flour
• 150ml (2/3 cup) water 150ml (2/3 cup) water
• 100ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil 100ml (1/2 cup) vegetable oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 35g, 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pan, heat some vegetable oil and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until golden brown.
2. 2.
   Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. 3.
   Stir in the ground nutmeg, ground coriander, ground galangal, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spices are well incorporated.
4. 4.
   Remove the beef mixture from the heat and let it cool.
5. 5.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, rice flour, water, and vegetable oil. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic.
6. 6.
   Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin, circular sheet.
7. 7.
   Place a spoonful of the beef filling onto one half of the dough circle and fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly to seal the burek.
8. 8.
   Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.
9. 9.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
10. 10.
    Place the burek on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown.
11. 11.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. Make sure to cook it thoroughly to ensure food safety.
• Rice flour — Rice flour adds a unique texture to the pastry. If you can't find rice flour, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier version, add a pinch of chili powder or chopped chili peppers to the beef filling.
• Serve the Beef Burek with a side of pickles or a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast.
• If you prefer a lighter pastry, you can brush the burek with beaten egg before baking to achieve a shiny and golden crust.
• Leftover burek can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain its crispiness.
• Experiment with different fillings such as cheese, spinach, or mushrooms to create variations of this delicious dish.

Serving advice

Serve the Betawi-style Beef Burek warm as a main course or as a delightful snack. It pairs well with a side of pickles or a fresh salad.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Beef Burek on a platter, showcasing their golden brown crust. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for an added touch of color.