Borek fingers with minced meat

 

Borek Fingers with Minced Meat
Introduction

Börek Fingers with Minced Meat are savory pastries popular in Turkish cuisine, perfect as a snack or appetizer. These crispy finger-shaped böreks are filled with seasoned minced meat and wrapped in thin layers of phyllo dough. They are deliciously crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside, making them a delightful addition to any gathering or meal. Let’s explore how to prepare these delicious börek fingers from scratch, ensuring each step is meticulously detailed for your cooking enjoyment.
Ingredients
For the Filling:

-1 tablespoon olive oil
-1 small onion, finely chopped
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-500g minced beef or lamb
-1 teaspoon ground cumin
-1 teaspoon paprika
-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-Salt and pepper to taste
-1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Borek:

-1 package (about 400g) phyllo dough, thawed if frozen
-1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
-1/2 cup olive oil
-Sesame seeds or nigella seeds for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1-Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

2-Cook Minced Meat: Add minced meat to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally, about 5-6 minutes.

3-Season: Stir in ground cumin, paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in chopped parsley. Let the filling cool completely.

Step 2: Assemble the Börek Fingers

1-Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2-Prepare Phyllo Dough: Lay out one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean work surface. Keep the remaining phyllo covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out.

3-Brush with Butter and Oil: Brush the phyllo sheet lightly with melted butter and olive oil mixture. Place another phyllo sheet on top and brush again with butter and oil.

4-Cut into Strips: Using a sharp knife, cut the layered phyllo sheets into strips, about 3 inches wide.

5-Fill and Roll: Place a spoonful of the cooled meat filling at one end of each phyllo strip. Fold the sides over the filling and roll up tightly to form a finger-shaped börek. Place the börek fingers seam side down on the prepared baking sheet.

6-Repeat: Continue filling and rolling the börek fingers until all filling and phyllo strips are used.

Step 3: Bake the Borek

1-Brush with Butter: Brush the tops of the börek fingers with the remaining butter and oil mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or nigella seeds if desired.

2-Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

3-Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Börek fingers are best enjoyed warm.

Serving Suggestions

-Dipping Sauce: Serve börek fingers with a side of yogurt or tzatziki for dipping.
-Salad: Serve alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal.
-Storage: Keep any remaining food in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Tips for Success

-Phyllo Handling: Work quickly with phyllo dough and keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
-Filling Variations: Substitute minced chicken or turkey for a lighter option, or add diced vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor.
-Freezing: Börek fingers can be frozen before baking. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze until they are solid, then move them to a freezer bag. When baking from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations

-Cheese Filling: Replace minced meat with a mixture of feta cheese and spinach for a vegetarian option.
-Spice Level: Adjust the amount of spices according to your taste preferences for a more or less spicy börek.

Conclusion

Borek Fingers with Minced Meat are a delightful Turkish pastry that combines savory minced meat filling with crispy phyllo dough. By following these detailed steps and tips, you can create börek fingers that are crispy on the outside, flavorful on the inside, and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy these delicious börek fingers with family and friends, and share the flavors of Turkish cuisine with your loved ones!

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