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TurkishAuthentic Cuisine

Talaş Böreği

Serves 4 to 6 Pastry meat, Breads & Pastry

Talaş Böreği

Talaş Böreği hails from the bustling patisseries of Istanbul, where the art of layering puff pastry is perfected with a deft hand. Traditionally enjoyed as a savory snack or part of a larger meze spread, it's a dish that brings a touch of the city’s culinary elegance to the home kitchen. This recipe captures the essence of how a Turkish family cook would prepare it, balancing simplicity with a touch of indulgence.

This börek should unfold with a satisfying crunch, revealing a savory filling of seasoned ground beef and onions. The generous use of fat in the pastry ensures a rich, buttery finish, while a hint of black pepper adds a subtle warmth. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making it a delightful addition to any table.

Ingredients

  • 500 gpuff pastry
  • 400 gground beef
  • 1onion
  • 1egg yolk
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by taking the egg yolk out of the refrigerator to bring it to room temperature. This will ensure it mixes smoothly with other ingredients later.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook it while breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it turns brown and no pink remains. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
  3. Finely chop the onion and add it to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion becomes translucent and soft, stirring occasionally. Season with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring the flavors meld together.
  4. Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Roll out the puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to about 3mm thickness. Cut the pastry into squares, approximately 10x10 cm each.
  5. Place a spoonful of the beef and onion mixture in the center of each pastry square. Fold the corners of the pastry over the filling to form a parcel, pressing the edges to seal them tightly.
  6. Transfer the parcels to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each parcel with the room temperature egg yolk, which will give the pastries a golden sheen once baked.
  7. Bake the Talaş Böreği in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is puffed and golden brown. The aroma of the baked pastry and savory filling will be your cue that they are ready.
  8. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, allowing the flavors to be fully appreciated and shared at the table.
Cover of Authentic Turkish Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Turkish Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Turkish Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Turkish volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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