Ispanaklı Selanik Böreği facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Zeljanica |
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| Type | Börek |
| Place of origin | Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Region or state | Balkans |
| Main ingredients | Phyllo, spinach, (cheese, beyaz peynir and/or feta, onions or scallions, eggs |
Ispanaklı Selanik Böreği (pronounced "Iss-pah-nak-lee Seh-lah-nik Bur-ek-ee") is a delicious savory pastry. It is also known as Ispanaklı Boşnak Böreği or Zeljanica in Bosnian. This special dish is a type of pie filled with tasty spinach. It comes from both Turkey and Bosnia and Herzegovina. People in these countries love to eat börek, and this spinach version is very popular!
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What is Ispanaklı Selanik Böreği?
Ispanaklı Selanik Böreği is a kind of börek, which is a family of baked or fried pastries. These pastries are made with thin, flaky dough. This dough is called phyllo or yufka. The name "Selanik" comes from Selanik, an old city. The name "Boşnak Böreği" means "Bosnian börek." This shows how important börek is in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The History of Börek
Börek has a long and interesting history. It originated in the Ottoman Empire. This empire was very large and covered many different regions. As the empire grew, börek spread to many countries. Today, you can find different types of börek in the Balkans, the Middle East, and even parts of Eastern Europe. Each region has its own special way of making it.
What's Inside Ispanaklı Selanik Böreği?
The main ingredients of Ispanaklı Selanik Böreği are simple but delicious.
- Phyllo dough: This is the very thin, paper-like pastry dough. It becomes crispy and flaky when baked.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach is the star of the filling. It is usually chopped and mixed with other ingredients.
- Cheese: Often, a type of white cheese like beyaz peynir or feta is added. This gives the filling a creamy, salty taste.
- Onions: Chopped onions or scallions are often included. They add flavor and a bit of sweetness.
- Eggs: Sometimes, eggs are mixed into the filling. They help bind everything together.
How is it Made?
Making Ispanaklı Selanik Böreği involves layering the thin phyllo dough. The spinach and cheese filling is spread between these layers. Sometimes, the dough is rolled into a spiral shape. Other times, it is laid flat in a pan. The pastry is then brushed with oil or butter. Finally, it is baked until it is golden brown and crispy. It smells amazing when it's baking!
Where is it Popular?
Ispanaklı Selanik Böreği is a staple food in Turkey. It is also very popular in Bosnia and Herzegovina. In these countries, people eat it for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack. It's often served with yogurt or a glass of Ayran, a salty yogurt drink. It is a comforting and filling meal that families enjoy together.
