T&T Turkish Borek

I’ve made this once and can’t stop thinking about when to make it next!

This recipe is from foodwishes.com

https://foodwishes.blogspot.com/search?q=borek

Meat mixture 

In a pan on medium high heat, add:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
• 2 pounds ground lamb (or beef)

Cook until meat pieces are small and most of the liquid has evaporated. Then add

• 4 cloves minced garlic
• 2 tablespoons currants (I opted out)
• 3 tablespoons toasted pine nuts
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (I’d do half teaspoon next time)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice (I didn’t have so I added Garam Masala)

Cook for a minute then add:

• 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce (I used tomato puree)
• 1/4 cup water

Reduce heat to medium and cook for 20-30 min until most of the water has evaporated and it looks like a paste. Bottom of the pan should have no liquid filling in when you push the meat

Let cool down quickly

Prepare egg/yogurt/butter wash:

• 1 large egg
• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoon melted butter

PREPARATION

• 1 package frozen phyllo (filo) dough

Lay 2 sheets on the table. Lightly moisten the entire surface by lightly brushing the egg wash mixture all over

Then top with 1 single sheet and repeat brushing processes

Then another piece (total 4 sheets) and repeat brushing process

• Spoon on filling in a row (around 2 inch thick)
• Roll the pastry - not too tight. Roll it so its firm but doesn’t break
• Transfer to a well buttered baking dish 
• Egg wash the top once in baking dish

Make 2 more of these rolls exactly like above, add to the dish. Then sprinkle 

• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds or poppyseeds

Bake at 400 F. for 35-40 minutes, or until browned and crisp

For the yogurt sauce:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons very finely sliced mint leaves
• lemon juice to taste
• 1 crushed garlic clove, optional
• enough water to achieve desired texture
• pinch of salt and cayenne