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Meat Pie like Burek Lena

Jul 20, 2021
4 min read

Updated: Oct 24


The Origin and Evolution of Burek

  • Burek, a beloved dish primarily recognized in the Balkans and the Middle East, has its roots deeply embedded in Turkish cuisine. The word "burek" itself is derived from the Turkish word "börek," which refers to a variety of baked or fried filled pastries. Over the centuries, as the Ottoman Empire expanded, this delicious pastry made its way into various cultures, each adapting it to their local tastes and ingredients.


Burek in Serbian Cuisine

  • In Serbia, the tradition of making burek has flourished, particularly in the form of a savory pie filled with minced meat, often complemented by spices and herbs that enhance its flavor. The Serbian version typically employs a flaky pastry that is layered and rolled, creating a delightful texture that is both crispy and soft. The filling usually consists of ground beef or a mix of meats, seasoned with onions, pepper, and sometimes even cheese, making it a hearty meal that is both satisfying and flavorful.


Personal Experience with Burek

  • From my own experience, I can attest to the incredible taste of this savory pie. Whenever I prepare my meat pie, I follow a traditional method that has been passed down through generations. The process begins with making the dough, which is crucial for achieving that perfect flaky texture. After preparing the filling, I take great care to layer the dough properly, ensuring that each bite is filled with a delicious combination of meat and spices.


Why You Should Try Making Burek

  • If you have yet to experience the delight of homemade burek, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try. The preparation may seem daunting at first, but the reward is well worth the effort. Not only will you enjoy a dish that is rich in flavor and history, but you will also create a meal that brings people together, whether it's for a family gathering or a casual dinner with friends.


Follow the Recipe

  • To get started, follow this recipe, and I assure you, you won't regret it. The satisfaction of biting into a warm slice of freshly baked meat pie, with its crispy exterior and savory filling, is an experience that is hard to replicate. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and embark on this culinary adventure. You might just find that making burek becomes a cherished tradition in your own kitchen.

Ingredients: cup: 200 ml, simple, total time:60 min
  • 600 g thicker crusts

  • 500 g of minced meat/ mixed beef and pork

  • 1- 2 onions / finely chopped


For topping:

  • 1 cup of yogurt/200 ml

  • 1 cup of mineral water/200 ml

  • 100 ml sunflower oil

  • 5 eggs

  • Salt and pepper to taste

meat-pie-on-plate
Meat pie like burek
Preparation:
  1. Finely chop the onion and put it in the pan to fry. As soon as it turns a little yellow and gets a glassy shine, put the meat to simmer. Add salt and pepper to taste, and wait for the water to come out of the meat (you can also combine one chopped carrot if you like with this filling)

  2. When the filling is ready, set it aside. Then put the crusts in an oiled pan; previously, divide them into 3 parts. Fill every third crust, when we reach the end of the crust, prepare the topping for the crusts in the description and pour over the pie mix the pan well and mix well so that the topping enters each crust.

  3. Then cut it into cubes as you wish and let it stand for 1 hour before baking.

  4. Bake at 200 °C for 30 min. Depending on the oven. When it gets a brownish-yellow color, then it's done.

  5. Serve for breakfast or as an appetizer.


2 Recipes:

Ingredients:
  • 500 g thin-crust

  • 300 g minced meat/mixed beef and pork

  • 3 onions /finely chopped

  • 200 ml of mineral water

  • 200 ml of yogurt

  • 100 ml of oil

  • 4 eggs

  • Salt, pepper, dry spice (Vegeta) to taste

meat-pie-recipe-appetizers-salty-pastries
Meat Pie like Burek Lena
Preparation
  1. Finely chop the onion and fry it in oil. Add minced meat and fry well. Season with salt and pepper.

  2. Divide the crust into 3 parts and the filling into 2 parts. Arrange alternately in a greased pan (large enough for the oven).

  3. Cut into smaller cubes with a sharp knife.

  4. Mix mineral water, yogurt, and oil. Pour this mixture over the pie.

  5. Carefully lift the pieces a little so that the mixture penetrates everywhere. Leave a little for the mixture to absorb.

  6. Beat the eggs with a mixer, then pour over the pie. Use a spoon to lift the layers again. You can even shake the tin a little.

  7. Bake the pie for the first 10 min at 250 °C. Then cover with foil and bake for another 20-25 min at 200 °C. It doesn't have to be covered when taken out of the oven because it will definitely be soft (it will be wonderfully crispy on the sides and bottom).


Buon appetito!


NOTE:
  • If you don't like meat, you can make it with mushrooms. It takes 400-500 g of mushrooms because they have a lot of liquid, so frying takes longer. Don’t be bothered by the fact that so little meat goes. That is quite enough to make the pie tasty without being heavy. Of course, you can also increase the amount of meat up to 500 g if you like it to be more filling.

  • Keep in an airtight box in a dry place for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator; heat in a pan or in the microwave.


  • Use the contact form for questions or advice.

  • I would be happy if you would comment on my recipes and give them a like.

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Trieste, FVG, Italy

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