The Bosnian Burek recipe is a staple in the diets of people all throughout the Balkans and the Middle East. Traditional Bosnian Burek recipe are filled with meat, while cheese and other fillings have their own titles. The work spent preparing Burek is well worth it since the finished product is a delicious snack. We’re going to show you how to make genuine Bosnian Burek from scratch in this blog article.
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The most popular filling for Bosnia Burek recipes are seasoned ground meat, usually beef or a blend of beef and lamb, however the pastry itself may be filled with a wide variety of things. The onions and garlic should be sautéed in a skillet until they are transparent. Toss in the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it cooks so it browns evenly. Add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you want to the meat. Wait for the filling to cool while you make the dough.
The dough used to make Bosnian Burek recipes, or jufka, is very thin and elastic, and it becomes flaky when baked. Flour, water, salt, and oil are mixed together in a big basin to make a soft, sticky dough. On a floured surface, knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic, and then divide it into 4 to 6 balls. Resting the dough for 30 minutes under a clean kitchen towel is recommended. Then, work the dough by rolling and stretching it.
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Burek is distinguished by its layers of dough that are so thin that they can be seen through a sheet of paper. On a lightly floured board, spread out each dough ball into a thin, flat circle. The dough should be stretched by hand from the center outward, moving around the circle, until it is so thin that it is practically see-through. Be very careful not to rip the dough at this stage.
A sheet of stretched dough is oiled with a little coating of oil and then folded into a Burek. Spread some of the chilled filling down one side of the dough, leaving a 1- to 2-inch border all the way around. Carefully encase the filling in the dough and roll it up to form a long log. Roll the log into a spiral form, beginning at one end, and place it in a prepared baking dish. Use the leftover dough and filling to make more turnovers.
Bosnia Burek recipes may be made with a crispier, flakier crust by brushing the top with an oil and water combination before baking. Bake the Burek for 30–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and flaky, in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C).
Let the Burek rest in the pan for a few minutes to cool before slicing it into wedges. Burek is at its finest when served warm, with a dollop of plain yogurt on the side to cut through the heaviness of the savory filling. This pastry’s real, scrumptious flavor will win over your guests whether you serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or anything in between.
The Complete Recipe with Ingredients and Step by Step Instructions is Listed Below
3 Reasons People Love the Bosnian Burek Recipe
1. Delicious and Flavorful: The savory and tasty Bosnia Burek recipe is a big reason why so many people like it. Phyllo dough is layered with fillings such ground beef, spinach, cheese, or potatoes, then topped with onions and seasonings. A lot of people like to eat it for breakfast, lunch, or supper because of the combination of the crispy phyllo bread and the delectable filling.
2. Versatility: The adaptability of the Bosnian Burek recipe is another one of its many selling points. Vegetarians may enjoy these pastries by substituting ground beef for cheese, spinach, or potatoes in the filling. It’s convenient to have on hand for any event since it can be prepared in individual servings or as a huge pie.
3. Cultural Significance: Bosnia Burek recipes are a mainstay of Bosnian cuisine, is also deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. It’s a great chance to learn about Bosnian traditions and celebrate with friends and family. Burek is a method for those with Bosnian ancestry or a taste for Bosnian food to pay tribute to and celebrate the culture of their forebears. Bosnia’s history, stretching back to the Ottoman Empire, has a unique place for the pastry, adding to its cultural value.
How To Make Our Bosnian Burek Recipe
Ingredients (8 Servings)
1 lb phyllo dough
1 lb ground beef
1 onion, chopped
2 tbsp vegetable oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup water
1 cup milk
2 eggs
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup sparkling water
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish with oil.
1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and lightly browned.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking up any lumps with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the water, milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and sparkling water.
5. Unroll the phyllo dough and cut it into sheets that are the same size as the baking dish.
6. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish and brush it with the egg mixture. Repeat with the remaining sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with the egg mixture.
7. Pour the beef filling over the phyllo dough, spreading it evenly.
8. Fold the edges of the phyllo dough over the filling, sealing the edges.
9. Brush the top of the pastry with the remaining egg mixture.
10. Bake the Burek in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutritional Information For the Bosnian Burek Recipe
Calories: 484
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 19g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 123mg
Sodium: 407mg
Potassium: 267mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 2g
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Pots, Pans, and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Bosnian Burek Recipe
Large skillet
Baking dish
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Pastry brush
Best Way to Store Leftovers From the Bosnian Burek Recipe
The best way to store the Bosnia Burek recipe leftovers is to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container. The container should then be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3-4 days. To reheat, place the Burek in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Substitutions For the Bosnian Burek Recipe
Ground beef can be substituted with ground lamb, chicken, or turkey.
Phyllo dough can be substituted with puff pastry or croissant dough.
Milk can be substituted with unsweetened almond or soy milk.
Vegetable oil can be substituted with olive oil or melted butter.
Substitutions For the Vegetarian Bosnian Burek Recipe
Replace ground beef with crumbled tofu, seitan, or vegetarian ground meat.
For cheese filling, use crumbled feta cheese or a mix of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
For potato filling, boil and mash 2-3 large potatoes and mix with chopped sautéed onions and herbs.
Tips and Tricks For Easier Creation
Allow the phyllo dough to come to room temperature before using to prevent it from cracking or breaking.
Brush each layer of phyllo dough with the egg mixture to ensure a crispy and golden crust.
Use a sharp knife to cut the Burek into slices to prevent the filling from spilling out.
If the phyllo dough starts to dry out, cover it with a damp cloth to keep it moist.
Side Dishes and Desserts For the Bosnian Burek Recipe
Cucumber and tomato salad
Roasted vegetables
Hummus and pita bread
Yogurt dip with herbs and spices
Grilled meat or vegetables
How To Serve the Bosnian Burek Recipe
Bosnian Burek can be served hot or cold. It’s typically cut into slices and served as a main course with a side salad or grilled vegetables. It can also be served as an appetizer or a snack. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, it’s often enjoyed with yogurt, sour cream, or ajvar (a type of roasted red pepper spread).
FAQs About the Bosnian Burek Recipe
Can I use store-bought phyllo dough for the Bosnian Burek Recipe?
Yes, store-bought phyllo dough can be used as a shortcut. However, homemade phyllo dough is thinner and crispier than the store-bought version.
Can I freeze the Bosnian Burek Recipe?
Yes, Bosnian Burek can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F until heated through.
What is the best type of meat to use for Bosnian Burek Recipe?
The traditional Bosnia Burek recipe calls for ground beef, but ground lamb, chicken, or turkey can also be used.
Can I make the Bosnian Burek Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, Bosnian Burek can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. It can also be baked ahead of time and reheated in the oven before serving.
Can I make a Bosnian Burek Recipe vegetarian?
Yes, Bosnian Burek can be made vegetarian by using a cheese, spinach, or potato filling instead of meat.
Final Thoughts
The Bosnia Burek recipe has won my heart, and I think everyone should taste it at least once. The filling of this delicious pastry consists of ground beef, spinach, cheese, or potatoes combined with onions and spices, sandwiched between layers of crisp phyllo dough. These are some of the main arguments in favor of giving it a shot:
To begin, a Bosnia Burek recipe has unrivaled taste. The rich, savory filling is the ideal complement to the crispiness of the phyllo dough. Beef, spices, and onions combine to provide a dish with an irresistible scent and taste.
Second, this Bosnian Burek recipe has incredible adaptability. Cheese, spinach, or potatoes are just a few of the vegetarian-friendly filling options for Bosnian Burek. It’s versatile since it may be baked in individual servings or in giant pies for special events.
Last but not least, the Bosnian Burek recipes have important cultural value. For someone like myself with Bosnian ancestry, eating this pastry is a wonderful opportunity to feel closer to my heritage and pay tribute to my family’s history. The Bosnian pastry known as burek has a long and storied history that dates back to the Ottoman Empire. Hence, tasting the Bosnia Burek recipe is not only about having a tasty meal, but also about learning about a fascinating cultural practice.
I think everyone need to try the Bosnia Burek recipe at least once since it is one of my all-time favorite foods. It’s a dish you should try because of how good it tastes, how many ways you can use it, and how important it is culturally.
Bosnian Burek Recipe
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- whisk
- Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 1 lb phyllo dough
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup sparkling water
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a baking dish with oil.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened and lightly browned.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking up any lumps with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the water, milk, eggs, vegetable oil, and sparkling water.
- Unroll the phyllo dough and cut it into sheets that are the same size as the baking dish.
- Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the baking dish and brush it with the egg mixture. Repeat with the remaining sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with the egg mixture.
- Pour the beef filling over the phyllo dough, spreading it evenly.
- Fold the edges of the phyllo dough over the filling, sealing the edges.
- Brush the top of the pastry with the remaining egg mixture.
- Bake the Burek in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
