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Turkish Spiral Borek with Spiced Ground Beef Recipe

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★★★★

4 from 42 reviews

This Turkish Spiral Borek recipe features thin, flaky layers of golden phyllo dough wrapped around a savory, spiced ground beef filling. Enhanced with aromatic onions, Aleppo pepper, and topped with sesame and nigella seeds, this classic Turkish dish is perfect for mezze platters, brunch, or light lunches. Baked to crispy perfection, it offers a comforting and visually stunning centerpiece for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Filling

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (optional)
  • Kosher salt, to taste (approx. 1 teaspoon)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (approx. 1/2 teaspoon)
  • 1/2 cup water

Basting Sauce

  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)

Baking

  • 1 box frozen phyllo dough (15 to 18 sheets), thawed
  • Sesame seeds, for topping
  • Nigella seeds or black sesame seeds, for topping
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meat Filling: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 10 minutes until they become soft and translucent, which brings out their natural sweetness and forms the base of the filling.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is fully browned, about 10 minutes. This step ensures that the meat is cooked thoroughly and evenly.
  3. Season and Simmer: Stir in Aleppo pepper (if using), approximately 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Pour in 1/2 cup water and let the mixture simmer until the water is completely evaporated, about 15 minutes. This step intensifies the flavor and ensures the filling isn’t too wet.
  4. Cool the Filling: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the filling to cool slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary to balance the flavors.
  5. Make the Basting Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and neutral oil until well combined. This sauce will keep the borek moist and help achieve a golden crust.
  6. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush a 16-inch round baking pan with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
  7. Assemble the Borek Spiral: Lay 2 sheets of thawed phyllo dough on a clean, dry surface, layering one on top of the other. Brush the top sheet generously with the basting sauce. Spoon 3 to 4 tablespoons of the meat filling along one long edge of the phyllo sheet, then roll it up loosely but firmly.
  8. Form the Spiral: Coil the rolled log into a spiral shape and place it in the center of the greased baking pan. Repeat the process with the remaining phyllo sheets and filling, coiling each subsequent roll outward around the center spiral, forming a large continuous spiral.
  9. Final Touches: Brush the entire spiral generously with the remaining basting sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds and nigella seeds or black sesame seeds evenly over the top to add flavor, texture, and appeal.
  10. Bake until Golden: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake the borek for 35 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp to the touch. This ensures a crunchy exterior with a juicy, flavorful filling inside.
  11. Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then cut into wedges. Serve warm, ideal alongside tea or ayran for an authentic Turkish experience.

Notes

  • Thaw the phyllo dough completely according to package instructions to avoid cracking during rolling.
  • Use a pastry brush to apply the basting sauce evenly for the best texture.
  • Aleppo pepper is optional but adds a gentle heat and fruity note; substitute with mild chili flakes if unavailable.
  • Adjust salt and pepper according to personal preference.
  • If you like a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the water in the filling with beef broth.
  • Work quickly when handling phyllo as it dries out fast; keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel.

Keywords: Turkish Borek, Turkish pastry, phyllo dough recipe, spiced ground beef borek, mezze recipes, Turkish comfort food, baked phyllo spiral, savory borek

Find it online: https://foodarohub.com/turkish-spiral-borek-with-spiced-ground-beef-recipe/