Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1 package phyllo dough
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Special Equipment Needed:
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. In a large skillet, cook the ground lamb over medium heat until browned.
3. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
5. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the parsley, mint, feta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and spinach.
6. Lay out a sheet of phyllo dough and brush it with melted butter.
7. Place another sheet of phyllo dough on top and brush it with melted butter.
8. Repeat with 4 more sheets of phyllo dough.
9. Spoon the lamb mixture onto the phyllo dough, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
10. Roll up the phyllo dough tightly to form a log.
11. Brush the log with melted butter and place it on a baking sheet.
12. Repeat steps 6-11 with the remaining phyllo dough and lamb mixture.
13. Bake the börek for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
14. Let the börek cool for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Time:
Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature:
- 375°F
Serving size:
- 6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 380
- Fat: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 16g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef or turkey can be used instead of lamb.
- Swiss or cheddar cheese can be used instead of feta cheese.
- Frozen spinach can be used instead of fresh spinach.
Variations:
- Add chopped tomatoes or bell peppers to the lamb mixture.
- Use different herbs, such as dill or oregano, instead of parsley and mint.
- Add a beaten egg to the lamb mixture to help bind it together.
Tips and Tricks:
- Keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
- Brush each layer of phyllo dough with melted butter to ensure a crispy crust.
- Let the börek cool for a few minutes before slicing to prevent it from falling apart.
Storage Instructions:
- Store leftover börek in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
- Reheat the börek in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the börek on a platter with a side of tzatziki sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs
- Paprika
Pairings:
- Tzatziki sauce
- Greek salad
- Roasted vegetables
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Rice pilaf
- Hummus and pita bread
- Grilled vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the phyllo dough tears, simply patch it up with another piece of phyllo dough brushed with melted butter.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure the ground lamb is cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food History:
- Börek is a popular savory pastry in Turkish cuisine that is typically filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables.
Flavor Profiles:
- The lamb and spinach börek has a savory and slightly tangy flavor from the feta cheese and herbs.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the börek as a main dish for dinner or as an appetizer for a party.
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Region: Turkish