Bureks with minced meat

Bureks with Minced Meat

Bureks with minced meat are delicious pastries stuffed with savory meat and spices, wrapped in thin layers of phyllo dough. Originally from the Balkans and the Middle East, they have become popular worldwide. This article will guide you through making this delightful dish while highlighting its health benefits, particularly its high protein content and low calorie nature, making it a perfect fit for those looking to maintain a balanced diet or lose weight. These delicious bureks make a healthy version of a classic comfort food that you can enjoy without the guilt!

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This burek recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare, but it also makes a great meal prep option. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will last for several days, making it perfect for busy weeknights. These savory pastries are a lighter option compared to many traditional comfort foods but still pack a punch in terms of flavor and nutrition. Packed with protein, they can help satisfy your hunger while keeping your energy levels high. Plus, they are a perfect choice for anyone wanting a delicious treat that fits into a healthy eating plan.

HOW TO MAKE BUREKS WITH MINCED MEAT

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Brush for olive oil
• Sharp knife

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 package of phyllo dough
• 500g ground beef or lamb
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for brushing
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
3. Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned.
4. Stir in the parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
5. Lay a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush lightly with olive oil. Layer another sheet on top and brush again with oil.
6. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture on one edge of the phyllo, fold the sides over the filling, and roll tightly into a cylinder.
7. Place the boureks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush with the beaten egg.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
9. Serve warm.

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HOW TO SERVE BUREKS WITH MINCED MEAT

These flavorful bureks are best served warm and can be enjoyed as a stand-alone meal or as an appetizer. If you are watching your portion sizes, aim for one or two bureks to start, especially if you’re pairing them with a side dish. They can be served with a refreshing cucumber and yogurt salad, which adds a healthy boost of probiotics and hydration. Also, try serving with a side of mixed greens for added fiber and nutrients, which complements the protein in the bureks, creating a balanced meal.

STORAGE & FREEZING: BUREKS WITH MINCED MEAT

If you have leftovers, store your cooked bureks in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to three days. You can also freeze unbaked or baked bureks for later use. To freeze, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you are ready to enjoy them, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to ensure they are heated through. This makes for a great meal prep option that you can enjoy at any time!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

To keep things balanced, consider serving your bureks with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil. This adds not only flavor but also important nutrients, making your meal more balanced. For a heart-healthy choice, accompany the bureks with a side of quinoa or brown rice, which provides additional fiber while keeping the overall calories lower.

VARIATIONS

• Healthier Version: Replace the ground beef or lamb with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner meat option. This lowers the fat content while still maintaining that high protein meal.
• High-Protein or Low-Carb Version: For a lower-carb alternative, consider stuffing the phyllo with spinach and feta cheese. This not only gives you a delicious flavor profile but also boosts the protein content while keeping the carbs lower.
• Air Fryer or Oven-Baked Version: If you prefer cooking with an air fryer, place the rolled bureks in a single layer inside the fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-18 minutes or until golden brown, resulting in a crispy exterior with less oil.

FAQs

1. Can I make bureks with something other than meat?
Yes! You can fill them with vegetables like spinach, potatoes, or cheese for a vegetarian option. This also makes it a lighter choice with fewer calories.

2. How can I store leftover bureks?
Cooked bureks can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days or frozen for longer storage. Just reheat in the oven or air fryer.

3. Are these bureks diabetic-friendly?
While traditional bureks are made with phyllo dough, which is not low-carb, you can choose low-carb alternatives for a more diabetic-friendly option, like using cheese or vegetable fillings.

4. Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the filling in advance and assemble the bureks when you’re ready to cook. This saves you time during busy weeknights.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR BUREKS WITH MINCED MEAT

Bureks are an excellent choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the filling ahead of time, store it in the fridge for up to a week, and then assemble your burek whenever you need a quick meal. Additionally, you can also roll and freeze the unbaked bureks. When you’re in need of a quick and delicious dinner, simply pop them in the oven. This flexibility saves time while providing you with healthy, high protein meals that fit into any balanced diet!

These bureks with minced meat are not just a treat but a guilt-free option that you can enjoy anytime. Whether you’re looking for a high protein meal or a clever way to meal prep, this recipe checks all the boxes while ensuring that you savor every bite!

Bureks with Minced Meat

Delicious pastries stuffed with savory minced meat and spices, wrapped in thin layers of phyllo dough, perfect for meal prep and balanced diets.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Balkan, Mediterranean

Calories: 200

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Filling ingredients

• 500 g ground beef or lamb Use lean meat for a healthier option.
• 1 piece onion, chopped Adds sweetness to the filling.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor.
• 1 cup parsley, chopped Fresh parsley adds brightness.
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin Brings warmth to the filling.
• 1 teaspoon paprika Adds color and flavor.
• to taste Salt and pepper Season to your preference.

Additional ingredients

• 1 package phyllo dough Thaw before use.
• Olive oil for brushing For a crispy texture.
• 1 piece egg, beaten For egg wash.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until soft.
3. Add the ground beef or lamb to the skillet and cook until browned.
4. Stir in the parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Assembly

1. Lay a sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush lightly with olive oil. Layer another sheet on top and brush again with oil.
2. Place a spoonful of the meat mixture on one edge of the phyllo, fold the sides over the filling, and roll tightly into a cylinder.
3. Place the bureks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with the beaten egg.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Serve warm.

Notes

These bureks can be served with a refreshing cucumber and yogurt salad or a side of mixed greens for added nutrients. They store well in the refrigerator for up to three days and can also be frozen for later use.