Burek

Here’s a classic homemade Balkan Burek recipe (meat-filled), simple enough to make at home without special equipment.

🥧 Homemade Beef Burek (Serves 4–6)

Ingredients

For the filling

• 500 g minced beef (or lamb)

• 1 large onion, very finely chopped

• 2 tbsp oil or butter

• Salt to taste

• Black pepper to taste

• ½ tsp paprika (optional)

• 2–3 tbsp water or beef stock

For the pastry

• 10–12 sheets filo pastry (store-bought works perfectly)

• 100 g melted butter or oil (for brushing)

Instructions

1️⃣ Prepare the filling

1. Heat oil in a pan on medium heat.

2. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent.

3. Add minced meat, salt, pepper, and paprika.

4. Cook until meat is browned.

5. Add a few tablespoons of water/stock and cook 2–3 more minutes.

6. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

2️⃣ Assemble the burek

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).

2. Lightly grease a baking tray.

3. Lay one sheet of filo, brush lightly with butter.

4. Add another sheet on top and brush again.

5. Spread a thin layer of meat filling.

6. Roll tightly into a log or coil into a spiral.

7. Place in the tray and repeat until all filling is used.

(Traditional burek is often spiral-shaped, but rows work just as well.)

3️⃣ Bake

1. Brush the top generously with butter.

2. Bake for 35–40 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Serving

• Let it rest 5–10 minutes before cutting.

• Serve hot with plain yogurt or ayran 🥛