Middle Eastern Comfort: Homemade Spinach and Feta Börek with Fresh Yogurt Dip

Middle Eastern Comfort: Homemade Spinach and Feta Börek with Fresh Yogurt Dip

Hello lovely readers!

As someone who revels in the joy of cooking and exploring a myriad of flavors, today I’m excited to share a dish that’s not only delicious but also laden with comforting and homely vibes—Homemade Spinach and Feta Börek. This dish takes us on a culinary journey to the Middle East, bringing in the earthy richness of spinach, the tangy creaminess of feta, all wrapped in delicate, flaky layers of filo pastry.

Börek has always held a special place in my heart; there’s something inherently satisfying about those golden, crispy layers giving way to a warm, savory filling. It’s one of those dishes that bring a sense of nostalgia and warmth, perfect for serving as a hearty lunch or a delightful supper.

And the beauty of börek is its versatility—there are numerous variations you can try, but today, we’re sticking to a classic combination that never fails to impress. If you’ve never worked with filo pastry before, don’t be intimidated. Yes, it can be a bit delicate, but with a little patience and a generous hand with the butter, you’ll create a masterpiece that’s well worth the effort.

I’ve also paired this börek with a simple yet refreshing yogurt dip. The cool, creamy texture of the yogurt, combined with the zing from fresh dill and a hint of lemon, perfectly complements the börek, making each bite a delightful experience.

So let’s dive in and make this delectable Spinach and Feta Börek together. Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 package of filo pastry (375g)
• 400g fresh spinach leaves, chopped
• 200g feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 100g unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Ready to get cooking? Here’s the method:

1. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the chopped spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with nutmeg, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooled spinach mixture with the crumbled feta cheese and one beaten egg. Mix well.
5. Brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with some of the melted butter. Lay one sheet of filo pastry in the dish and brush it with melted butter. Repeat this process layering 5 sheets of filo, ensuring each layer is brushed with butter.
6. Evenly spread the spinach and feta mixture over the layered filo sheets.
7. Continue layering the remaining filo sheets on top of the spinach mixture, brushing each sheet with melted butter, using another 5 sheets.
8. Brush the top layer with remaining beaten egg for a glossy finish.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
10. While the börek is baking, prepare the yogurt dip. In a small bowl, combine the plain yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, and lemon juice. Mix well and season with salt to taste.
11. Once the börek is baked and golden, let it cool slightly before cutting. Serve warm with the fresh yogurt dip on the side.

There you have it—a delightful, comforting börek that’s sure to make your meal memorable. I hope you enjoy making (and eating!) this as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your börek creations with me in the comments below. Happy cooking!

Cheers,
Al