Turkish Spiral Borek Spiced Beef (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Filling
01 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
02 -
1 large onion, diced
03 -
450 grams ground beef (80/20 blend)
04 -
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper (optional)
05 -
Kosher salt, to taste
06 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
07 -
120 milliliters water
→ Basting Sauce
08 -
240 milliliters whole milk
09 -
2 large eggs
10 -
120 milliliters neutral oil (such as canola or vegetable oil)
→ Pastry
11 -
15 to 18 sheets frozen phyllo dough, thawed
12 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
→ Finish
13 -
Sesame seeds, for topping
14 -
Nigella seeds or black sesame seeds, for topping
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
02 -
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until fully browned, about 10 minutes.
03 -
Stir in Aleppo pepper (if using), 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add water and simmer until fully evaporated, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool. Adjust seasoning to taste.
04 -
In a bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and neutral oil to form a smooth mixture.
05 -
Preheat oven to 190°C. Brush a 40-centimeter round baking pan with the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil.
06 -
Place 2 sheets of phyllo on a clean work surface, layered. Brush the top sheet lightly with the milk mixture. Spoon 3–4 tablespoons of beef filling along the long edge and roll up the phyllo loosely.
07 -
Carefully coil the filled pastry log into a spiral shape and set it in the center of the prepared pan. Repeat with remaining phyllo and filling, coiling each new log around the previous spiral outward toward the rim.
08 -
Brush the assembled spiral generously with the remaining milk mixture. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and nigella or black sesame seeds.
09 -
Bake for 35 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp. Cut into wedges and serve warm.
# Notes:
01 -
For a crispier texture, work quickly with phyllo dough and keep unused sheets covered with a damp towel to prevent drying.
02 -
Aleppo pepper lends a subtle heat and unique aroma, but you may use mild chili flakes as a substitute.