🇹🇷 Turkish Cuisine · Street Food

Börek

Prep

30 mins

Cook

35 mins

Serves

8

Difficulty

Medium

Layers of thin yufka pastry filled with feta cheese and parsley or spiced minced meat and baked until golden.

Ingredients

  • 1 kg red lentils
  • 1 cup bulgur wheat
  • 2 tbsp sliced scallions
  • a pinch of cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 eggplant, chopped
  • a handful of fresh mint, chopped
  • a drizzle of toasted pine nuts
  • 1 cup water

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the rice pilaf base and set it aside to rest while you get the filling ready.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, combine the fresh mussels, red onions, sliced scallions, and cracked black pepper, mixing well so everything is evenly seasoned.

  3. 3

    Heat unsalted butter in a skillet, wok, or on a griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  4. 4

    Cook the rice pilaf until lightly golden on each side, then transfer to a warm plate.

  5. 5

    Fry, grill, or steam the fresh mussels mixture until cooked through and lightly charred at the edges, about 35 mins.

  6. 6

    Assemble by layering the rice pilaf with the filling, a spoonful of toasted pine nuts, and a scattering of dill.

  7. 7

    Add a final touch of crumbled feta for extra flavor and texture.

Tips

Keep the unsalted butter hot but not smoking — a thermometer helps you nail the perfect frying or grilling temperature.

Double the toasted pine nuts so you have plenty for dipping — it tends to disappear fast.

Prep all your fillings and toppings before you start cooking, since this dish comes together quickly once the heat is on.