Go Back
+ servings
Borek

Perfect Your Borek: Spiced Lamb Delight with Filo Magic

Savor the delightful textures and flavors of Borek, a spiced lamb dish wrapped in flaky filo pastry.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 pieces
Course: Baking
Cuisine: Turkish
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Filling
  • 500 grams Lamb Mince Substitute with beef or turkey if desired
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil For sautéing
  • 1 large Onion Finely diced
  • 2 cloves Garlic Minced
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Spice mix
  • 1 teaspoon Coriander Spice mix
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon Spice mix
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Spice mix
  • 1 teaspoon Allspice Spice mix
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper Spice mix
  • ½ teaspoon Cayenne Pepper Adjust for spice level
  • 100 grams Currants Can substitute with raisins or sultanas
  • 50 grams Pine Nuts Toasted
  • 200 grams Tomato Passata Adds moisture
For the Pastry Assembly
  • 250 grams Filo Pastry Fresh or refrigerated
  • 100 grams Unsalted Butter Melted
  • 1 large Egg For yogurt wash
  • 100 grams Plain Yogurt For yogurt wash
For the Lemon Yogurt Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice Freshly squeezed
  • 1 clove Garlic Minced
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil For sauce

Equipment

  • oven
  • Baking Dish
  • mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • whisk

Method
 

How to Make Borek
  1. Sauté finely diced onion and minced garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened. Add the lamb mince and cook until browned. Stir in the spices, mixing well before adding the tomato passata, currants, and toasted pine nuts. Simmer for a few minutes until reduced, then allow the mixture to cool.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the egg, plain yogurt, and melted butter until fully blended. This will help bind the pastry layers and add a delightful sheen.
  3. Carefully open the filo pastry. Lay out four sheets at a time, brushing each layer generously with the yogurt wash.
  4. Scoop a portion of the cooled lamb filling and spread it along one edge of the layered pastry. Roll loosely into a log shape, then coil it into a spiral.
  5. Place the spiral-shaped borek in a greased baking dish. Brush the top with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Allow the borek to cool slightly before slicing into wedges. Pair with a refreshing Lemon Yogurt Sauce for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1pieceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 18gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Optional: Drizzle extra lemon juice over the borek just before serving for added zest.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!