Turkish Spinach Börek Recipe (Ispanaklı Börek)

Börek is a beloved Turkish pastry made with thin layers of yufka (or phyllo) dough and a variety of savory fillings. This spinach börek (Ispanaklı Börek) combines fresh spinach, onions, and feta cheese wrapped in crispy golden pastry. It’s perfect as a snack, breakfast, or side dish for tea time.

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) fresh spinach, chopped
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 tbsp olive oil (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 package phyllo dough or yufka sheets (about 12 sheets)
• ½ cup plain yogurt
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds or nigella seeds (for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a baking tray.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onions until soft. Add spinach, cook for 3–4 minutes until wilted, then remove from heat.
3. Stir in crumbled feta, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let cool slightly.
4. In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, eggs, and olive oil (this will be your wet mixture for brushing layers).
5. Place one sheet of yufka/phyllo on a flat surface, brush lightly with the yogurt mixture. Add another sheet on top and brush again.
6. Spread spinach filling evenly along one edge and roll into a log or fold into a spiral shape.
7. Transfer to the baking tray, brush the top with the yogurt-egg mixture, and sprinkle with sesame or nigella seeds.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
9. Let cool slightly, slice, and serve warm.