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Spinach Borek

Crispy layers of phyllo pastry filled with a savory mixture of spinach, onion, and tangy feta cheese. Baked until golden and topped with black nigella seeds.

60 minMediumServes 6280 cal/serving

TurkishAppetizerOven and StovetopVegetarianMediterraneanNut-FreeSoy-FreeShellfish-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-FreeNightshade-Free

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Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 lb fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 16 phyllo dough sheets, thawed
  • 1 tsp nigella seeds

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté 1 diced yellow onion until translucent.

  2. 2

    Add 1 lb chopped fresh spinach and cook for 3 minutes until wilted, then remove from heat.

  3. 3

    Transfer the spinach mixture to a bowl and fold in 1 cup crumbled feta cheese.

  4. 4

    Whisk 2 beaten eggs and 1/2 cup milk together in a separate bowl.

  5. 5

    Layer half of the 16 thawed phyllo dough sheets in a baking pan, brushing each sheet with the egg mixture.

  6. 6

    Spread spinach filling evenly over the top, cover with remaining 16 thawed phyllo dough sheets, brush with egg mixture, and sprinkle with 1 tsp nigella seeds.

  7. 7

    Bake at 375F for 30 minutes until golden brown and crisp.

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Questions

What is Spinach Borek?

Crispy layers of phyllo pastry filled with a savory mixture of spinach, onion, and tangy feta cheese. Baked until golden and topped with black nigella seeds. This reference files it under Turkish appetizer: made in the oven and on the stovetop, rated medium and about 60 minutes start to finish.

What oven temperature does Spinach Borek need?

For Spinach Borek, the oven is set to 375 F (about 190 C) in step 7. The longest stretch at that heat is 30 minutes, in step 7.

What can I use instead of feta in Spinach Borek?

The entry for Spinach Borek calls for 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled. In its place: Crumbled queso fresco or ricotta salata is milder but behaves the same. For dairy-free, crumble firm tofu and marinate it in lemon juice and salt.

Can I make Spinach Borek dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Spinach Borek is 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled, 1/2 cup milk. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor); the milk for unsweetened oat or soy milk. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

Is Spinach Borek vegan?

No, though it is vegetarian. What keeps it from vegan is 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled, 1/2 cup milk and 2 eggs, beaten. For fully plant-based entries, see the vegan appetizer collection.

Serve it with

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