Börek Anısı
Description and History
Börek is a staple of Turkish cuisine, a savory pastry that has graced tables for centuries. Its history traces back to the Ottoman Empire, where it became a beloved dish across various regions. Each region has its variation, making börek a versatile and cherished culinary art. Börek Anısı seamlessly blends ingredients and spices, creating a memory-laden experience for each bite.
This variant—Börek Anısı—emphasizes both flavor and texture. The name itself, 'Anısı', translates to 'memory', reflecting the nostalgic happiness every serving brings. Traditionally served at gatherings and special occasions, this dish holds a special place in the hearts of many, often reminiscent of family celebrations and childhood memories.
Ingredients
Preparation
Preparing the Filling
Start by chopping onion and lightly sautéing it in olive oil until golden. While the onion is cooking, wash and chop spinach, then add it to the pan. Sauté until the spinach is wilted and any liquid has evaporated. Take off the heat and let cool.
In a bowl, crumble feta cheese and mix with the cooked spinach and onions. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Set aside.
Preparing the Phyllo
Melt butter and mix it with some olive oil. Lay your phyllo dough sheets on a flat, dry surface and cover with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out. Working quickly, brush a sheet of phyllo dough with the butter-olive oil mixture, layering several sheets depending on the desired thickness.
Assembly
Preheat your oven, linking to a cooking timer for preheating. On the prepared phyllo stack, spread a generous amount of the spinach-feta mixture across the surface. Carefully roll the dough along one edge to form a tight spiral or roll, depending on the shape you want for your börek. Brush the top with more butter-olive oil for a golden finish. Optionally, beat an egg and brush the top for extra shine.
Cooking
Place the börek on a baking tray and bake until golden and crisp, generally for about 30-35 minutes. Use this cooking timer to keep track. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Enjoying Börek Anısı
Börek Anısı is best enjoyed warm, where its flaky layers and filling are most aromatic and flavorful. Pair it with a side of fresh salad or yogurt for a balanced meal. Over a shared table with friends or family, let the nostalgia of shared memories enrich every bite of this beloved dish.