Picture this: You’re about to embark on a journey to crispy, cheesy nirvana with this feta and ricotta borek recipe that’s basically a hug wrapped in phyllo dough. Trust me, your taste buds are in for a wild ride!
I love creating dishes that blend rich flavors and textures, and Turkish Börek is no exception. This delectable pastry features layers of delicate phyllo dough filled with a savory mix of crumbled feta, creamy ricotta, and fragrant herbs like fresh parsley and dill.
The combination of these ingredients with two beaten eggs and a touch of seasoning makes for a wonderfully balanced and nutritious treat, perfect for any occasion.
Turkish Borek Cheese Herbs Recipe Ingredients
- Feta Cheese: High in protein, adds a tangy flavor, calcium-rich.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy texture, mild flavor, offers protein and calcium.
- Parsley: Fresh herbal taste, rich in vitamins A, C, K.
- Dill: Aromatic herb, adds a fresh burst, aids digestion.
- Eggs: High-quality protein, enhances filling texture, binds ingredients.
- Phyllo Dough: Thin and crispy layers, low in calories, light texture.
Turkish Borek Cheese Herbs Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 500g phyllo dough (approximately 12 sheets)
- 400g feta cheese, crumbled
- 100g ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for topping (optional)
How to Make this Turkish Borek Cheese Herbs Recipe
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a large baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, chopped dill, and beaten eggs. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the olive oil.
4. Place a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush it lightly with the butter-oil mixture.
5. Place another sheet of phyllo dough on top, brush again, and repeat for 4-5 layers.
6. Spread a portion of the cheese and herb filling evenly across the phyllo layers.
7. Roll the phyllo tightly into a log. Place the log in the prepared baking dish.
8. Repeat steps 4-7 until all the phyllo sheets and filling are used, filling the baking dish with logs.
9. Brush the tops of the logs generously with the remaining butter-oil mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the borek is golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Turkish Borek Cheese Herbs Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Oven
2. Large baking dish
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Pastry brush
6. Clean work surface
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
A: Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or a similar crumbly cheese, but the flavor will be slightly different. - Q: What is the best way to thaw phyllo dough?
A: Thaw phyllo dough in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours to prevent it from becoming sticky. - Q: Can I prepare the borek in advance?
A: Yes, you can assemble the borek and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. - Q: How do I prevent the phyllo dough from drying out?
A: Keep unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel while assembling the borek to prevent them from drying out. - Q: Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
A: The recipe is already vegetarian, as it uses cheese and herbs instead of meat fillings. - Q: Can I freeze the borek after baking?
A: Yes, you can freeze baked borek. Allow it to cool completely, wrap it well, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Turkish Borek Cheese Herbs Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Feta Cheese: Substitute with goat cheese for a slightly tangier flavor, or use cottage cheese for a milder option.
- Ricotta Cheese: Substitute with cream cheese for a creamier texture or mascarpone for a richer taste.
- Fresh Parsley: Substitute with cilantro for a different herbaceous note, or use fresh mint for a refreshing twist.
- Fresh Dill: Substitute with fresh chives for a more subtle flavor or tarragon for a hint of anise.
- Phyllo Dough: Substitute with puff pastry sheets for a flakier texture.
Pro Tips
1. Prevent Dry Phyllo: While working with phyllo dough, keep the sheets you’re not immediately using covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out and becoming difficult to handle.
2. Enhance Flavors: For added depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cheese and herb filling. These spices can complement the feta and add a subtle warmth to the dish.
3. Crispier Texture: For extra crispiness, increase the butter-to-oil ratio in your brushing mixture. Pure butter can give the phyllo a richer, golden finish, but be careful not to oversaturate the sheets.
4. Uniform Baking: Ensure even cooking by leaving a little space between each phyllo log in the baking dish. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece more effectively.
5. Slice Before Baking: To make serving easier, score the top of the phyllo logs with a sharp knife before baking. This helps in creating neat slices and can prevent the pastry from cracking too much during cutting post-baking.
Turkish Borek Cheese Herbs Recipe
My favorite Turkish Borek Cheese Herbs Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Oven
2. Large baking dish
3. Large mixing bowl
4. Medium mixing bowl
5. Pastry brush
6. Clean work surface
7. Knife
8. Cutting board
9. Measuring cups
10. Measuring spoons
Ingredients:
- 500g phyllo dough (approximately 12 sheets)
- 400g feta cheese, crumbled
- 100g ricotta cheese
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, finely chopped
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for topping (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a large baking dish.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, chopped parsley, chopped dill, and beaten eggs. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
3. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter with the olive oil.
4. Place a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush it lightly with the butter-oil mixture.
5. Place another sheet of phyllo dough on top, brush again, and repeat for 4-5 layers.
6. Spread a portion of the cheese and herb filling evenly across the phyllo layers.
7. Roll the phyllo tightly into a log. Place the log in the prepared baking dish.
8. Repeat steps 4-7 until all the phyllo sheets and filling are used, filling the baking dish with logs.
9. Brush the tops of the logs generously with the remaining butter-oil mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the borek is golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
