Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups frozen spinach, thawed and drained
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 sheets phyllo dough
- 1/2 cup melted butter
Special Equipment Needed:
- 9-inch pie dish
- Baking sheet
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
4. Gradually add vegetable broth, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick and bubbly.
5. Add spinach, nutmeg, pepper, cumin, coriander, cardamom, and cinnamon. Cook for 2 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and stir in feta and Parmesan cheese.
7. Place one sheet of phyllo dough in the bottom of the pie dish. Brush with melted butter.
8. Repeat with remaining 7 sheets of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with melted butter.
9. Pour spinach mixture into the pie dish.
10. Bake for 25 minutes, or until golden brown.
Time:
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 270
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Protein: 8 g
Substitutions for Ingredients
- Olive oil can be substituted with canola oil or butter.
- Vegetable broth can be substituted with chicken broth.
- Feta cheese can be substituted with goat cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or turkey to the filling for a heartier dish.
- Substitute the spinach with kale or Swiss chard.
- Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the filling.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to thaw and drain the spinach before adding it to the filling.
- Use a pastry brush to brush the phyllo dough with melted butter.
- Work quickly when assembling the börek so the phyllo dough doesn’t dry out.
Storage Instructions:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Presentation Ideas:
Garnish with chopped parsley or fresh herbs before serving.
Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Fresh herbs
Pairings:
- Rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Salad
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Greek salad
- Roasted potatoes
- Roasted vegetables
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the phyllo dough is drying out, cover it with a damp kitchen towel while assembling the börek.
- If the filling is too dry, add a few tablespoons of vegetable broth.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to thaw and drain the spinach before adding it to the filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Food History:
Börek is a traditional Turkish dish that is made with layers of phyllo dough filled with a variety of savory fillings. It is believed to have originated in the Ottoman Empire in the 15th century.
Flavor Profiles:
This dish has a savory flavor with a hint of sweetness from the spices. The feta and Parmesan cheese add a salty, creamy flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
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Region: Turkish