Bourekas Recipe

Bourekas are a delightful savory treat originating in the Sephardic Jewish communities. These delicious pastries consist of flaky filo dough or puff pastry encasing a variety of fillings, typically savory. They are popular throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean, enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or as a satisfying snack.
Bourekas come in a wide variety of fillings, but some of the most popular include cheeses like feta, ricotta, or cheddar, or potato fillings seasoned with herbs and onions. This recipe offers both options, allowing you to explore the delightful world of bourekas fillings.

Ingredients

• For the Dough (Makes about 12 Bourekas):
• 1 pound puff pastry, thawed
• 1 egg, beaten for egg wash
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
• For the Cheese Filling:
• 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• Pinch of black pepper
• For the Potato Filling:
• 4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Pinch of black pepper

Directions

1. Make the Filling (Choose Cheese or Potato):
2. Cheese Filling: Combine crumbled feta, ricotta, mozzarella, dill, parsley, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
3. Potato Filling: Boil potatoes until tender, then mash them. Sauté onions in olive oil until softened. Combine mashed potatoes, onions, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Prepare the Dough: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly flour a surface and roll out puff pastry to a 12x16 inch rectangle. Cut into 12 squares.
5. Assemble the Bourekas: Place a generous tablespoon of your chosen filling in the center of each pastry square. Brush the edges with egg wash. Fold the squares diagonally into triangles, sealing the edges with a fork.
6. Bake the Bourekas: Brush the tops of the bourekas with egg wash and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.
7. Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm and delicious bourekas!