Borek Recipe Vegetarian: Easy and Delicious Meatless Pastry

Borek is a beloved savory pastry that originates from the rich culinary traditions of Turkey and the Balkans. This flaky, crispy delight is usually filled with cheese, spinach, or meat, making it a versatile dish perfect for any meal or occasion.

Our vegetarian borek recipe focuses on a delicious spinach and feta cheese filling wrapped in thin, crispy layers of phyllo dough. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, appetizer, or part of a main course, this borek will impress your family and guests with its golden crust and flavorful filling.

What makes borek exceptional is its combination of textures—the crunch of the phyllo and the creamy, savory filling inside. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to customize based on what you have in your kitchen.

In this blog post, I’ll guide you through every step to make the perfect vegetarian borek, including tips on handling phyllo dough, ingredient alternatives, and serving suggestions. Ready to dive into this delicious pastry adventure?

Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian borek recipe is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s packed with nutritious spinach and creamy feta, offering a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

The phyllo dough creates an irresistibly crispy outer layer that bakes to golden perfection, making every bite a delight.

Secondly, it’s incredibly versatile—great for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer at your next gathering. It’s also vegetarian-friendly, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences without sacrificing taste.

Lastly, the recipe is straightforward enough for beginners yet yields professional results, so whether you’re an experienced cook or a newbie, you’ll find success with this borek!

Ingredients

• 12 sheets of phyllo dough (thawed if frozen)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil, plus more for brushing
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten (for brushing – optional for vegan version)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Skillet or frying pan
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Aluminum foil (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
2. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Cook the spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Mix the filling: In a large bowl, combine the spinach mixture with crumbled feta, ricotta (if using), chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well and set aside.
5. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
6. Prepare the phyllo dough: Carefully unroll the phyllo sheets and cover them with a damp kitchen towel to prevent drying out.
7. Assemble the borek: Take one sheet of phyllo and brush it lightly with olive oil. Place another sheet on top and brush again. Cut the double-layered sheets into 3-4 inch wide strips.
8. Add filling and roll: Place a spoonful of the spinach and cheese filling at one end of each strip. Fold the sides in and roll tightly to form a cigar shape.
9. Place on baking sheet: Arrange the rolled boreks seam side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil or beaten egg for a golden crust.
10. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the phyllo is crisp and golden brown.
11. Cool and serve: Let the borek cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

“Make sure your phyllo dough stays covered with a damp towel while working to prevent it from drying out and cracking.”

You can customize this borek recipe by swapping the spinach and feta filling with other vegetarian options like mushrooms, potatoes, or mixed herbs. For a vegan version, omit the cheese and egg wash, and use a plant-based alternative like tofu or vegan cheese.

If you prefer a round borek, you can layer several sheets of phyllo in a greased pie dish and fill it with the spinach mixture, then fold and bake as a pie. This method is great for serving larger groups.

For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the filling. You can also sprinkle sesame or nigella seeds on top before baking for a beautiful presentation and added crunch.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Borek pairs beautifully with fresh salads like a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil. It also complements Mediterranean dips such as tzatziki or hummus for a delightful appetizer platter.

For a more substantial meal, serve borek alongside a bowl of hearty soup like the Clam Chowder San Francisco Recipe or a light pasta with Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce.

Don’t forget dessert! The delicate crunch of borek rounds out a meal perfectly before indulging in a sweet treat such as the Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe.

Conclusion

This vegetarian borek recipe is a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire, offering a delicious blend of crispy phyllo and savory spinach and feta filling. It’s perfect for those who want a vegetarian option that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture.

Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a tasty snack, borek never fails to impress. The recipe is easy to follow, customizable, and yields a beautiful golden pastry that everyone will love.

Give this recipe a try, and you might just find your new favorite go-to savory pastry!

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