Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped pitted kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup chopped roasted red peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 2 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the ground lamb and cook until browned, about 8 minutes.
4. Add the cumin, coriander, cinnamon, pepper, and salt and cook for another minute.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the cooked rice, parsley, feta cheese, olives, roasted red peppers, and spinach.
6. Place one sheet of phyllo dough on a baking sheet and brush with melted butter.
7. Place the second sheet of phyllo dough on top and brush with melted butter.
8. Spread the lamb and rice mixture over the top of the phyllo dough.
9. Roll up the phyllo dough, starting from one end and rolling to the other end.
10. Brush the top with melted butter and bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 375 degrees F
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information:
Calories: 476
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 21g
Sodium: 471mg
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Ground beef or turkey can be used in place of the ground lamb.
- Any type of cooked rice can be used in place of the long-grain white rice.
- Any type of cheese can be used in place of the feta cheese.
- Any type of olives can be used in place of the kalamata olives.
- Any type of roasted peppers can be used in place of the roasted red peppers.
- Any type of fresh greens can be used in place of the spinach.
Variations:
- The filling can be varied to include other ingredients such as mushrooms, artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, etc.
- The phyllo dough can be replaced with puff pastry for a flakier crust.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to thaw the phyllo dough before using it.
- Be sure to brush the phyllo dough with melted butter before adding the filling.
- Be sure to roll up the phyllo dough tightly so that the filling does not leak out.
Storage Instructions:
- The burek can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- The burek can be reheated in the oven at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- The burek can be served with a dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce.
- The burek can be served with a side of roasted vegetables.
Garnishes:
- Fresh herbs such as parsley, oregano, or basil can be used as garnishes.
- A sprinkle of feta cheese or olives can be used as garnishes.
Pairings:
- The burek pairs well with a crisp white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc.
- The burek pairs well with a light, fruity red wine such as a Pinot Noir.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- A Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled vegetables
- Hummus
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the phyllo dough is too dry, brush it with a little more melted butter.
- If the phyllo dough is too wet, place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before rolling it up.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the ground lamb thoroughly before adding it to the filling.
- Be sure to store the burek in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Food History:
- Burek is a traditional dish from the Balkans that is made with phyllo dough and a variety of fillings.
Flavor Profiles:
- The burek has a savory flavor from the ground lamb and a salty flavor from the feta cheese and olives.
- The burek has a subtle sweetness from the roasted red peppers and a hint of spice from the cumin, coriander, and cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions:
- The burek can be served as an appetizer or as a main course.
- The burek can be served with a side of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce.
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Region: Balkan