Spinach Borek Recipe

This spinach and feta pie is my go-to comfort food because it perfectly combines the creamy, savory flavors of feta with the fresh taste of spinach. Plus, working with phyllo pastry makes me feel like a culinary artist, and I can’t resist the crunchy, buttery layers that make every bite absolutely irresistible.

I adore creating Spinach Borek, a dish bursting with nutrients and delicious flavors. It has a filling of fresh spinach and feta that is perfectly flavored with just a hint of black pepper—and nestled between layers of buttery phyllo pastry, it is hard to imagine a more scrumptious combination.

And the eggs and melted-butter combo that are drizzled over the top before it heads into the oven? Delectable.

But wait—there’s more! This particular borek is also sprinkled with sesame seeds.

And if I had to pick one part that makes it truly unique (and truly tasty), I might just pick the sesame seeds.

Ingredients

Spinach:
High in iron, and offers many vitamins, such as A, C, and K, it also provides fiber for digestive health.

Feta Cheese:
Protein and calcium; a fiery, salty flavor bomb.

Phyllo Pastry:
Crunchy texture; delivers carbohydrates and a tender layer.

Olive Oil:
Fats that are good for your heart; boost flavor and help with crisping.

Eggs:
Combine elements that provide protein and vital nutrients.

Ingredient Quantities

• 500g fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 eggs, lightly beaten
• 12 sheets of phyllo pastry
• 100g butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Heat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and prepare a baking dish by applying some olive oil to it.

2. Warm the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the chopped onion and sauté until becoming translucent.

3.

4. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese and beaten eggs with the spinach mixture, which has been sautéed and is now waiting in the bowl to be mixed in. The spinach is warm, which will help in mixing the ingredients together.

5. Take a sheet of phyllo pastry and lay it on a pristine surface. Give it a light coating of melted butter. Place another sheet on top and repeat this process until you’ve layered a total of six sheets.

6. Evenly spread half of the spinach mixture over the stacked phyllo sheets.

7.

8. Distribute the leftover spinach blend over the next stratum of phyllo sheets.

9. Add the final three sheets of phyllo pastry on top, applying melted butter generously with a pastry brush to every layer and even to the topmost layer. If you are using sesame seeds, now is the time to sprinkle them on top.

10. In the preheated oven, bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the pastry is crisp and golden brown. Let cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking dish
3. Pastry brush
4. Large saucepan
5. Large bowl
6. Knife
7. Cutting board
8. Measuring spoons
9. Spoon or spatula
10. Clean surface for assembling phyllo pastry

FAQ

• Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?A: Yes, frozen spinach can be used. Before use, be sure to thaw it and drain it well so that excess moisture is not carried over into your dish.
• Q: What can I use instead of phyllo pastry?Puff pastry can be used instead, but the texture will be different. Phyllo gives a crisp, toothsome result.
• Q: How can I store leftover Borek?A: Leftover storage can be done in a seamless way with airtight containers that are safe to use in the fridge. Reheating in the oven, however, is the best way to maintain leftover integrity for a dish like baked potatoes.
• Q: Can the Borek be prepared in advance?Yes, the Borek can be prepped, plastic-wrapped, and refrigerated for 12 hours or less before baking.
• Q: Is there a vegan version of this recipe?Substitute the feta cheese for a vegan cheese alternative, the regular eggs for flax eggs, and ensure the phyllo pastry is vegan.
• Q: What type of cheese can be used besides feta?A: Use ricotta or a combo of ricotta and feta for a milder flavor, or go for a soft goat cheese if you want more of a kick.

Substitutions and Variations

Pro Tips

1. Keep the Phyllo Moist Phyllo pastry can dry out quickly, becoming brittle and difficult to work with. To prevent this, cover the sheets you’re not currently using with a slightly damp clean kitchen towel while preparing your layers.

2. Enhance Flavor with Fresh Herbs For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like dill or parsley to the spinach and feta filling. This will add a delightful aromatic element to the dish.

3. Avoid Sogginess Ensure the spinach is thoroughly drained and any excess moisture is removed before mixing it with the other ingredients. You can do this by squeezing it gently in a clean dish towel or using a salad spinner.

4. Even Layering When spreading the spinach mixture onto the phyllo sheets, use a spatula to ensure even distribution. This will help the pie cook uniformly and make sure every slice has a balanced filling.

5. Add a Crunchy Topping For a finishing touch, sprinkle sesame seeds or even some poppy seeds on top of the pastry before baking. This will add a delicious crunch and an appealing visual contrast once the pie is baked.