We have a friend who just left today to study abroad in Israel, and my husband had the idea of hosting a little shindig two nights ago before he left.
"Brilliant idea," I thought...until he then proceeded to ask me if I'd mind preparing several dishes that are from Israeli cuisine for a group of eight friends that night.
I was stumped--"Israeli cuisine?!" And last minute, no less. Oh sure, no problem! (Love you, babe)
I frantically started doing some research to see what this would entail. I found hummus and pita bread (okay, I got that one down pat), fresh produce (no brainer), and bourekas (what the heck are those?!) mentioned on every Israeli food website. At first I was terrified of making them (then serving them confidently to all our friends), but after reading about these cheese filled pastries over and over, I had to take on the challenge.
And guess what? They were AMAZING. Crispy on the outside, gooey and warm on the inside.
Bourekas
Ingredients:
1 box filo dough (I used about 10 sheets)
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
16 oz frozen chopped spinach
1/2 cup melted butter
1 large egg
Pinch of salt and pepper
Sesame seeds for garnishing
Directions:
1. Thaw filo dough and spinach according to package directions. Mix spinach, feta cheese, egg, salt and pepper in a medium bowl.
2. Take 5 sheets of filo dough and cut into 6 inch squares. Fill generously with spinach and cheese mixture. Butter around the edges to help seal the dough.
3. Fold over into a triangle and press around edges. Brush butter on top and sprinkle with seeds.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350 or until golden brown.
BOUREKAS!
I also made some with a three cheese mixture, but for lack of time I didn't get pictures. Just swap the spinach for more feta, mozzarella, and grated parmesan. Also, I would consider using puff pastry dough instead of filo next time. I saw boureka recipes using both, but went with filo (mostly because it was a tad cheaper). Filo dough is very difficult to work with. I almost threw in the towel on these tasty treats, but I discovered I just had to tell the dough who's boss!
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6 comments:
Happy Friday!
Those look yummy! I really like Feta . . . I'm not sure it would be a hit with my whole family but I know the hubs and I would enjoy them.
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Thanks!
This sounds fantastic! I have some leftover phyllo dough from making baklava so maybe I'll test out this recipe!
These DO look great. Greeks make a similar dish that they call spanakopita. I call them "spinach squares" and they are DELICIOUS! you can make them in a pan by layering about seven sheets of filo dough with butter and then spreading your spinach filling in the middle with more layers of filo on top. Cut the dough before breaking (that way your little triangles don't crumble when you try to cut through)! Hopping along from Blog hops Everyday--I see my partner in crime, Janene, from More Than Mommies made it here too. I couldn't help but comment as well!! :)Christine
ooooh, those sound and look deLICious! I'm so glad you shared at shine on fridays!!
Stopping by from the Anything Goes Linky! http://queenofsavings.com
wonderful work! the way you discuss the subject i'm very impressed. i'll bookmark this webpage and be back more often to see more updates from you.
ayumi
www.brfe.net
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