Cheese & Spinach Swirls | Spinach and Cheese Börek

Börek (also known as burek) is a savory Turkish dish that is also very popular in Balkan countries and in the middle east. This spinach and cheese borek have a flaky crust and rich vegetarian filling. These cheese and spinach swirls are made of puff pastry and they are super easy to make. They are perfect for family dinner, for holidays or for any occasion.  

Ingredients:

For the filling: 

2 tablespoons Olive Oil

1 Onion, chopped

15.8 oz (450g) Baby spinach 

250g (8.8oz) Ricotta

250g (8.8oz) Feta cheese 

Salt to taste 

Pepper to taste 

1/4 teaspoon Nutmeg 

For the pastry: 

1 package (1Kg) Puff pastry, thawed

For topping:

1 Eggs for brushing 

Sesame seeds taste

Nigella seeds to taste 

For serving:

Fresh salad

Hard-boiled egg

Olives

Pickles 

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350F (180C).

2. Make the filling: in a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add chopped onion and sauté over medium heat until golden, add spinach and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the spinach is wilted. Drain excess liquids and transfer to a large bowl. 

3. Crumble the feta cheese and ricotta cheese into the bowl, then add the spices. Mix until well combined and set aside.

4. On a clean and lightly floured surface roll out the puff pastry, cut the sheets into length 10cm width strips. Fill the strips with the filling, then fold the dough over the filling, seal the edges and make swirl. 

5. Brush the swirls with beaten eggs and sprinkle some sesame seeds and nigella seeds. 

6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden brown.

7. Allow to cool slightly before serving.