Lamb Burek
Lamb burek is a distinctive dish of Balkan gastronomy, an integral part of the region's food culture since the Turkish era. Burek appeared in the Balkans in the 15th century, when the Ottoman Empire brought its own stuffed pastry dishes. Lamb was particularly popular at rural and religious festivals, so it is no wonder that this version became established. The secret of lamb burek lies in the quality of the ground lamb and the finely seasoned, juicy filling. Cumin gives the dish a special aroma, while the addition of water ensures that the inside does not dry out. It is important to oil each filo sheet individually to make the outside layered and crispy. The kitchen is filled with a festive atmosphere as the lamb burek slowly cooks. This dish is a perfect choice for family gatherings, festive dinners, or if you want to surprise your guests with a truly special dish.
Ingredients for this recipe
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Preparation Steps
1
Peel and finely chop the onion and garlic. Use a knife or food processor for quick preparation.
2
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes, until translucent.
3
Add the garlic, followed by the ground lamb. Brown over high heat for about 10 minutes. Stir in the salt, pepper, and cumin.
4
Add 100 ml of water to the meat mixture, stir well, and simmer for 5 minutes. This helps keep the filling juicy and prevents it from drying out during baking.
5
Lay a sheet of filo pastry on a clean kitchen towel and brush with olive oil. Layer the remaining sheets on top, brushing each with olive oil. You can use a brush for better results.
6
Place the filling lengthwise along the pastry, then tightly roll it up like a Swiss roll. Repeat once more to make two rolls.
7
Place the rolls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the tops with olive oil to ensure a crispy finish.
8
Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown. Tip: For an extra crispy top, broil for the last 2 minutes.
9
Serve warm with a side of yogurt as a refreshing dip. Excellent as a main course or a party snack.
