Balkan Cheese Burek

Ingredients

• 500g (17.6 oz) phyllo dough 500g (17.6 oz) phyllo dough
• 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 200g (7 oz) cottage cheese 200g (7 oz) cottage cheese
• 2 eggs 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk 1/4 cup (60ml) milk
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat: 20g (12g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the feta cheese, cottage cheese, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, parsley, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
3. 3.
   Lay a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush it with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and repeat the process until you have 5 layers.
4. 4.
   Spread a thin layer of the cheese filling evenly over the phyllo dough.
5. 5.
   Roll the dough tightly into a log shape, starting from one end. Repeat the process with the remaining phyllo dough and filling.
6. 6.
   Place the rolled bureks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with melted butter.
7. 7.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the bureks are golden brown and crispy.
8. 8.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Phyllo dough — Make sure to keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp cloth while working with it to prevent it from drying out.
• Feta cheese — If the feta cheese is too salty, you can soak it in water for 30 minutes before using to reduce the saltiness.
• Cottage cheese — If the cottage cheese is too watery, drain it in a sieve for a few minutes before using.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a flaky texture, brush each layer of phyllo dough with melted butter.
• Serve the Balkan Cheese Burek warm for the best taste and texture.
• You can add additional herbs or spices to the cheese filling according to your preference.
• Leftover bureks can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
• Pair the Balkan Cheese Burek with a dollop of sour cream or yogurt for a delightful combination of flavors.

Serving advice

Serve the Balkan Cheese Burek as a main dish accompanied by a fresh salad or as an appetizer for a gathering. Cut it into slices or bite-sized pieces for easy serving.

Presentation advice

Present the Balkan Cheese Burek on a platter, showcasing its beautiful spiral shape. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for an added touch of freshness.