Spinach and Cheese Borek Pie is an Albanian pastry made with layers of filo dough stuffed with spinach and cheese.
Recipe Intro
Börek is a savoury pastry consisting of thin layers of dough filled with ingredients such as cheese, vegetables, or meat. It is widely spread across Balkan regions and the Middle East. It comes in numerous variations, including different fillings, layering techniques, and pastry shapes.
Among the many regional variations, one of Albania’s popular street foods is the spinach and cheese borek. Traditionally, it is made with homemade filo pastry, following a method that’s been handed down through generations. However, ready-made filo sheets offer a convenient and equally delicious alternative in today’s fast-paced world.
This recipe makes it easy to enjoy a healthy and flavourful dish, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Albanian Spinach and Cheese Pie Ingredients
- spinach
- cheese
- parsley
- onion
- egg
- yoghurt
- oil
Notes
You can use either fresh or frozen spinach.
This börek calls for Albanian gjizë cheese, a soft, mild curd cheese similar to ricotta but with a tangy flavour. If gjizë isn’t available, substitute with a mix of ricotta and a small amount of feta to achieve a similar creamy texture and slight saltiness.
Use plain yoghurt of your choice.
How to make Albanian Spinach and Cheese Borek Pie
Spinach and cheese mixture
Wash and drain the spinach thoroughly and chop it into smaller pieces. Pour hot water over it or briefly boil it to wilt. Drain the spinach thoroughly and squeeze out excess moisture. If using frozen spinach, defrost completely and squeeze out excess moisture.
Finely chop the onion and spring onion, and sauté them in a little oil for about 3 minutes. Mix with spinach.
Add the beaten egg, crumbled feta cheese, and ricotta, season with salt and pepper and mix everything well.
Assemble the dish
Place 3 sheets of filo dough at the bottom of the pan, and then brush each layer with a little olive oil. Add half of the spinach mixture, spread it evenly over the dough, then cover with another filo sheet. Now add the remaining spinach mixture and cover with 3 more layers of dough, brushing each layer lightly with oil. Tuck the edges of the filo sheets neatly around the sides of the pan to seal in the filling.
Brush the top layer with a mixture of egg yolk and milk. I missed this step, so you can see the top of my pastry turned out slightly dry and crispy.
Bake for about 20 minutes at 200°C.
How to serve Albanian Spinach and Cheese Borek Pie
Albanian spinach and cheese börek is traditionally eaten as a simple meal or snack. It is often served with plain yoghurt or ayran (a yoghurt-based drink). Additionally, it can be enjoyed at any time of day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Delicious warm as well as cold. In some regions of Albania, it is also served with pickled vegetables or a fresh salad.
Ju bëftë mirë!
Recipe Card
Albanian Spinach and Cheese Borek Pie
Ingredients
- 2 cups parboiled spinach
- 1 onion
- 2 tbsp parsley
- 2-3 tbsp spring onion
- 3 tbsp ricotta cheese
- 1-2 tsp feta cheese
- 2 eggs - 1 egg yolk for brushing
- salt, black pepper - to taste
- olive oil - as needed
Instructions
- Wash and chop the fresh spinach. Pour hot water over the spinach or briefly boil it to wilt. Then, drain thoroughly and squeeze out any excess moisture. If using frozen spinach, defrost completely and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Sauté finely chopped onion and spring onion in oil for 3 minutes.
- Once the onion mixture cools, mix it with spinach. Add beaten egg, crumbled feta, and ricotta to the spinach mixture. Season with salt and pepper.
- Grease your baking dish. Place 3 sheets of filo pastry on the bottom, brushing each with oil. Spread half of the spinach mixture, then cover with one filo pastry sheet Add the remaining spinach mixture on top.Top it with 3 more layers of dough, each brushed with oil.Brush the top layer with a mixture of egg yolk and milk.
- Bake at 200°C for about 20 minutes.