Tepsi Böreği with Spinach and Feta Cheese

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach, washed and chopped 500g (1.1 lb) fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled 200g (7 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 sheets of phyllo pastry 12 sheets of phyllo pastry
• 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, melted 100g (3.5 oz) unsalted butter, melted

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 22g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until translucent.
3. 3.
   Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let it cool.
4. 4.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the cooled spinach, crumbled feta cheese, chopped dill, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. 5.
   Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
6. 6.
   Place a sheet of phyllo pastry in the baking dish, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. Brush the pastry with melted butter.
7. 7.
   Repeat the process with 6 more sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each layer with melted butter.
8. 8.
   Spread the spinach and feta cheese mixture evenly over the layered pastry.
9. 9.
   Layer the remaining 5 sheets of phyllo pastry on top, brushing each layer with melted butter.
10. 10.
    Fold the overhanging edges of the bottom layers over the top layers to seal the börek.
11. 11.
    Brush the top layer with melted butter.
12. 12.
    Using a sharp knife, score the top layer of the börek into desired portions.
13. 13.
    Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
14. 14.
    Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Phyllo pastry — Handle the phyllo pastry gently to prevent tearing. Keep it covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out.
• Spinach — Make sure to thoroughly wash the spinach leaves to remove any dirt or grit. Pat them dry before chopping.
• Feta cheese — Use good quality feta cheese for the best flavor. If desired, you can substitute it with a milder cheese like ricotta or cottage cheese.

Tips & Tricks

• To achieve a crispier börek, brush each layer of phyllo pastry generously with melted butter.
• If you prefer a more intense flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spinach and feta cheese mixture.
• Leftover börek can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain its crispiness.
• Serve Tepsi Böreği with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a side salad for a complete meal.
• Experiment with different fillings such as minced meat, mushrooms, or roasted vegetables to create your own variations.

Serving advice

Serve Tepsi Böreği warm or at room temperature. Cut along the scored lines to portion it into individual servings. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill for an extra touch of freshness.

Presentation advice

Present the Tepsi Böreği on a large platter, showcasing its beautiful layers. Sprinkle some sesame seeds or nigella seeds on top for an added visual appeal. Serve with a decorative serving utensil to enhance the presentation.