Shortcrust pastry for burekitas

Cheese-Filled Burekitas Recipe - A Crispy Delight

Burekitas are a delicious, crispy, and versatile snack that can be enjoyed as an appetizer or a dessert. This recipe combines tradition with innovation, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Additionally, the flaky dough is easy to prepare and can be easily adapted to suit your tastes.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooling time: 1 hour
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour and 50 minutes
Servings: 12 burekitas

Ingredients

For the dough:
- 350 g flour
- 200 g soft butter (at room temperature)
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

For the filling:
- 250 g soft cow cheese or ricotta (optional: feta cheese)
- 300 g Bulgarian cheese
- 100 g cow cheese
- 2 lightly beaten egg whites
- 1 tablespoon zaatar (a blend of aromatic spices)
- A pinch of nutmeg (to taste)
- A little chopped green onion
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For brushing:
- 1 beaten egg (to brush the burekitas)
- Sesame seeds (for decoration)

Brief History

Originating from the Mediterranean region, burekitas are a popular specialty in many cultures, often filled with cheese, meat, or vegetables. This cheese variant is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it perfect for special occasions or gatherings with friends.

Preparation Technique

1. Preparing the Dough:
Start by adding the flour, soft butter, egg yolks, and baking powder to the food processor. Use the pulse function to combine the ingredients until you achieve a texture similar to wet sand. This step is essential for obtaining a flaky dough, so be careful not to overmix.

2. Chilling the Dough:
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This step helps to solidify the fat in the dough, making it easier to roll out and crispier when baked.

3. Preparing the Filling:
In a large bowl, mix all types of cheese until you achieve a homogeneous composition. Add the beaten egg whites, zaatar, nutmeg, and chopped green onion. Don’t forget to add the cornstarch, which will help bind the mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are integrated.

4. Rolling Out the Dough:
After the dough has chilled, cut it into two equal parts. Place the first piece between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it out with a rolling pin until you get a thin sheet about 5 mm thick. This step is crucial, as a dough that is too thick may lead to less crispy burekitas.

5. Shaping the Burekitas:
Using a round cutter or a glass, cut circles from the dough. Place a teaspoon of filling in the center of each circle, then fold it over and press the edges to seal well. This will prevent the filling from leaking during baking.

6. Baking:
Place the burekitas on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Brush them with beaten egg and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for an attractive appearance. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for about 30 minutes or until golden and crispy.

Practical Tips

- For an even more intense flavor: Replace some of the cheeses with feta cheese or add chopped olives.
- Sweet variations: This dough can also be used for sweet fillings, such as jams or sweet cheese with sugar, for a delicious dessert.
- Cook in advance: Burekitas can be prepared a few days ahead, frozen, and baked directly from the freezer, making them ideal for parties.

Nutritional Benefits

These burekitas are rich in protein due to the cheeses, and the use of butter in the dough provides healthy fats. Adding green onions brings extra vitamins and antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use other types of cheese? Of course! Experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a different variation.
- What side do you recommend? These burekitas are delicious served with Greek yogurt or a fresh vegetable salad.
- Can they be frozen? Yes, you can freeze them after shaping. Make sure they are well wrapped to prevent freezer burn.

Serving Suggestions

Burekitas are excellent served warm, but they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. They can be accompanied by a garlic yogurt sauce or a tomato and cucumber salad for a perfect lunch.

So get ready to enjoy this crispy delight! Burekitas will bring a smile to your loved ones' faces and will surely be a hit at any table. Savor every bite and don’t forget to share the recipe with your friends!