Burek Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Meat-Free Pastry

Burek, a beloved pastry originating from the Balkans and Middle East, is traditionally filled with meat, but this vegetarian version offers a delightful twist that everyone can enjoy. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your diet, this burek recipe captures all the flaky, golden, and savory goodness you crave.

Filled with a delicious mixture of spinach, feta, and herbs, it’s a perfect balance of flavors wrapped in crisp, buttery layers of phyllo dough. This dish works wonderfully as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course when paired with a fresh salad.

Making burek from scratch might seem intimidating, but with this detailed recipe, you’ll be guided step-by-step to create a stunning, restaurant-quality dish right at home. Plus, it’s perfect for impressing guests or treating your family to something special.

Ready to dive into a flaky, cheesy, and aromatic vegetarian burek? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegetarian burek recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses fresh ingredients like spinach and feta cheese that provide vibrant flavor and a satisfying texture.

The use of phyllo dough ensures a beautifully flaky and light crust that contrasts perfectly with the rich filling. It’s a recipe that’s both approachable for home cooks and impressive enough for special occasions.

Additionally, this burek is versatile and customizable. You can easily swap in other vegetables or cheeses to suit your taste or dietary needs.

It also stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prep or leftovers. Lastly, this recipe is a great introduction to Balkan cuisine, encouraging you to explore more dishes like Lamonica’S Pizza Dough Recipe or Halibut Dip Recipe for your culinary adventures.

Ingredients

• 1 package phyllo dough (about 16 oz), thawed
• 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil, divided
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt (optional, for brushing)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Medium skillet
• Pastry brush
• Baking sheet or rectangular baking dish (9×13 inches recommended)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap (to cover phyllo dough)

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add spinach: Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Mix filling ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked spinach mixture, crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix well and set aside.
4. Prepare the phyllo dough: Carefully unroll the phyllo dough on a clean surface. Keep it covered with a damp towel or plastic wrap to prevent drying out. Using a pastry brush, lightly brush one sheet with olive oil or melted butter.
5. Layer the dough: Place a second sheet of phyllo on top and brush again with olive oil. Repeat until you have 4-5 layers brushed with oil, creating a sturdy base.
6. Add filling: Spread the spinach and feta filling evenly over the layered phyllo sheets.
7. Top layers: Cover the filling with another 4-5 layers of phyllo dough, brushing each layer with olive oil as before.
8. Shape the burek: Carefully roll the layered dough and filling into a log shape or fold into a rectangular shape to fit your baking dish. Alternatively, you can cut into pieces and layer them individually.
9. Transfer to baking dish: Place your burek in the greased baking dish or on a baking sheet. Brush the top generously with olive oil or yogurt for a golden crust.
10. Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the burek is golden brown and crisp on top.
11. Cool and serve: Allow the burek to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

“The key to perfect burek is keeping the phyllo dough moist while you work with it; always cover unused sheets to avoid drying and cracking.”

• Vegetable swaps: Try adding sautéed mushrooms, grated zucchini, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.
• Cheese alternatives: Substitute feta with ricotta, goat cheese, or a vegan cheese option for dairy-free variations.
• Herbs: Fresh dill or mint can complement the filling beautifully if you want to experiment with herbs.
• Shape options: Make individual burek rolls or triangles for party snacks instead of a large tray bake.
• Make ahead: Assemble the burek the night before and refrigerate, then bake fresh the next day.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Vegetarian burek is perfect on its own or paired with light accompaniments. Consider serving it alongside a fresh cucumber and tomato salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a refreshing contrast.

A dollop of plain yogurt or tzatziki on the side adds creaminess that complements the flaky crust and savory filling.

For a more substantial meal, pair burek with a bowl of hearty lentil soup or a chilled beet salad. To explore other delicious dishes that pair well with Mediterranean and Balkan flavors, check out our Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or the tangy and creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe.

Conclusion

This vegetarian burek recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the rich culinary tradition of the Balkans without meat. The combination of spinach, feta, and fresh herbs wrapped in crisp phyllo dough delivers a comforting yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

From casual family dinners to festive gatherings, burek always impresses with its golden crust and flavorful filling.

With easy-to-follow steps and simple ingredients, this recipe invites cooks of all skill levels to create a delicious homemade pastry that’s both satisfying and nourishing. Don’t forget to experiment with variations and pair your burek with other delightful recipes found on our site, such as the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe or the sweet treat of our Lemon Straws Recipe.

Happy cooking and enjoy every flaky bite!

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