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Turkish Spiral Beef Borek with Spiced Ground Meat Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 142 reviews

This traditional Turkish Spiral Borek is filled with a flavorful spiced ground beef filling, wrapped in crispy phyllo dough, and baked to golden perfection. The savory filling is seasoned with Aleppo pepper, giving it a subtle heat and aromatic depth, while sesame and nigella seeds add a nutty and crunchy topping. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or a main dish, this borek showcases delightful textures and bold Turkish flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Filling

  • 1 pound Ground Beef
  • 1 Onion, diced
  • 1 tablespoon Aleppo Pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • ½ cup Water

Dough & Basting

  • 1 package Phyllo Dough
  • ¼ cup Olive Oil
  • ½ cup Milk
  • 1 Egg
  • 2 tablespoons Neutral Oil (such as vegetable or canola oil)

Toppings

  • 2 tablespoons Sesame Seeds
  • 2 tablespoons Nigella Seeds

Instructions

  1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, warm olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  2. Brown Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Continue cooking until fully browned, approximately 7-10 minutes.
  3. Season Filling: Sprinkle Aleppo pepper, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices.
  4. Simmer Liquid: Pour in half a cup of water, reduce heat to low, and let the mixture simmer until all the liquid evaporates, leaving a moist filling, about 5-10 minutes.
  5. Cool Filling: Remove from heat and allow the filling to cool completely. Taste and adjust seasoning as preferred.
  6. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and neutral oil until smooth and well combined.
  7. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush a round baking pan with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  8. Prepare Phyllo Sheets: Lay two phyllo sheets on a clean surface and cover remaining dough with a damp towel to keep it from drying out. Brush the top phyllo sheet generously with the milk mixture.
  9. Add Filling: Spread a line of the cooled beef filling along one long edge of the phyllo sheets.
  10. Roll Log: Carefully roll the phyllo sheets loosely to form a log shape, ensuring the filling stays inside.
  11. Form Spiral: Starting from the center of the greased pan, coil the rolled log into a spiral. Repeat the process with remaining phyllo sheets and filling to create a larger spiral expanding outward.
  12. Baste Borek: Brush the entire borek spiral generously with any remaining milk mixture for a beautiful, golden finish.
  13. Add Seeds: Sprinkle sesame seeds and nigella seeds evenly over the top for added flavor and crunch.
  14. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 minutes until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.
  15. Serve: Remove from oven, slice into wedges, and serve warm, enjoying the delightful layers and spiced beef filling.

Notes

  • Keep unused phyllo dough covered with a damp towel at all times to prevent drying out.
  • Adjust the amount of Aleppo pepper according to your preferred spice level.
  • The neutral oil in the egg wash helps achieve a crisp, golden crust.
  • This borek can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving for convenience.
  • Serve with a side of yogurt or fresh salad for a complete Turkish-themed meal.

Keywords: Turkish borek, spiral borek, ground beef borek, phyllo pastry, savory Turkish pastry, Aleppo pepper recipe

Find it online: https://islawhite.com/turkish-spiral-beef-borek-with-spiced-ground-meat-recipe/