Why make this recipe
Turkish Spiral Borek with Spiced Ground Beef is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors, flaky pastry, and a touch of culinary art. This recipe is not just about filling and wrapping; it’s about creating a comfort food that brings joy to every gathering. Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a tasty snack, this borek is sure to impress.
How to make The Best Turkish Spiral Borek with Spiced Ground Beef Ever!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 Onion
- 1 tablespoon Aleppo Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1 package Phyllo Dough
- 1/4 cup Olive Oil
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 Egg
- 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds
- 2 tablespoons Nigella Seeds
Directions:
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Brown Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is browned all the way through, approximately 7-10 minutes.
- Season Filling: Sprinkle Aleppo pepper, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Simmer Liquid: Pour in enough water to cover the beef mixture, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer until all the liquid evaporates, leaving a moist filling. This should take around 5-10 minutes.
- Cool Filling: Once done, remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary to suit your preference.
- Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and neutral oil until smooth and well combined.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and brush a round baking pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Phyllo Sheets: Lay two phyllo sheets on a clean surface, covering the remaining dough with a damp towel. Brush the top sheet generously with the milk mixture.
- Add Filling: Spread a line of the cooled beef filling along one long edge of the phyllo sheets.
- Roll Log: Carefully roll the phyllo sheets loosely to form a log shape, making sure to keep the filling inside.
- Form Spiral: Starting from the center of the greased pan, coil the rolled phyllo log into a spiral shape. Repeat with additional phyllo sheets and filling to form a larger spiral, expanding outward until the filling is used up.
- Baste Borek: Generously brush the entire borek spiral with the remaining basting sauce for a beautiful finish.
- Add Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds and nigella seeds evenly over the top for added flavor and crunch.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, slice into wedges, and serve warm to enjoy the delightful layers of flavor!
How to serve The Best Turkish Spiral Borek with Spiced Ground Beef Ever!
This delightful dish is best served warm. You can pair it with a simple yogurt sauce or a light salad for a complete meal. It’s perfect for snacks, appetizers, or even as a main dish at family gatherings.
How to store The Best Turkish Spiral Borek with Spiced Ground Beef Ever!
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the borek in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also freeze it before baking for a future meal. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer; it will keep for up to a month.
Tips to make The Best Turkish Spiral Borek with Spiced Ground Beef Ever!
- Phyllo Dough Handling: Keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp towel while you work to prevent it from drying out.
- Spicy Kick: If you like heat, feel free to add more Aleppo pepper or even some red pepper flakes to the beef filling.
- Egg Wash: Brushing the borek with the milk and egg mixture helps achieve a beautiful golden color when baking.
Variation (if any)
Feel free to change up the filling! You can use other types of ground meat like lamb or turkey, or even make a vegetarian version using spinach and feta.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this borek in advance?
A: Yes, you can prepare the borek ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just make sure to cover it well to avoid drying out.
Q: Is it difficult to work with phyllo dough?
A: While it may seem tricky at first, with some practice and a bit of patience, working with phyllo is quite manageable. Just remember to keep it covered to prevent it from drying out.
Q: How can I make it healthier?
A: You can use leaner cuts of meat or substitute with vegetables and whole-grain phyllo dough to make a healthier version.
Turkish Spiral Borek with Spiced Ground Beef
Ingredients
For the filling
- 1 pound Ground Beef
- 1 medium Onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon Aleppo Pepper Adjust for more heat if desired.
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- ½ cup Water
For the borek assembly
- 1 package Phyllo Dough Keep covered while working.
- ¼ cup Olive Oil For greasing the baking pan.
- ½ cup Milk
- 1 large Egg For egg wash.
- 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil For mixing with milk and egg.
- 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds For topping.
- 2 tablespoons Nigella Seeds For topping.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks, for 7-10 minutes until browned.
- Sprinkle Aleppo pepper, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well.
- Pour in enough water to cover the beef and simmer on low until the liquid evaporates, about 5-10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let the filling cool completely. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- In a bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and neutral oil until smooth.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and brush a round baking pan with olive oil.
Assembly
- Lay two phyllo sheets on a clean surface, covering remaining dough with a damp towel. Brush the top sheet with the milk mixture.
- Spread a line of cooled beef filling along one long edge of the phyllo sheets.
- Carefully roll the phyllo sheets loosely to form a log shape, keeping the filling inside.
- Starting from the center of the greased pan, coil the rolled phyllo log into a spiral shape.
- Repeat with additional phyllo sheets and filling. Baste the entire spiral with remaining milk mixture.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and nigella seeds over the top.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 35 minutes or until golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from oven, slice into wedges, and serve warm.