👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Do not let it brown.

   💡 Tip: Sautéing the onion slowly releases its sweetness and aroma.
2. 2

   Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it is fully browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet.

   💡 Tip: Ensure all the meat is cooked through for food safety and texture.
3. 3

   Stir in the chopped fresh parsley, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Remove the skillet from the heat and let the meat mixture cool for at least 10-15 minutes.

   💡 Tip: Cooling the mixture is crucial to prevent the eggs from scrambling when added.
4. 4

   Once the meat filling has cooled slightly, stir in the 2 lightly beaten eggs. Mix well until thoroughly combined. This will help bind the filling together.

   💡 Tip: The eggs act as a binder, ensuring the filling stays intact during cooking.
5. 5

   Prepare your workspace. Have the feuille de brick sheets, the meat filling, the optional cheese, and the flour-water paste ready. Keep the feuille de brick covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

   💡 Tip: Working efficiently with one sheet at a time is key to success.
6. 6

   Lay one sheet of feuille de brick flat on a clean surface. If using the cheese, spread about half a cheese triangle evenly over the bottom half of the sheet, leaving a small border.

   💡 Tip: Spreading the cheese thinly ensures it melts nicely without making the pastry too heavy.
7. 7

   Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the meat filling onto the cheese (or directly onto the pastry if not using cheese), forming a log shape along the bottom edge. Fold the bottom edge of the pastry up over the filling. Then, fold in the left and right sides to enclose the filling. Roll the bourek up tightly towards the top edge, like a spring roll or cigar.

   💡 Tip: Ensure the filling is compact and the folds are neat for a good shape.
8. 8

   Dip your finger in the flour-water paste and moisten the top edge of the pastry. Press gently to seal the bourek completely. Place the sealed bourek seam-side down.

   💡 Tip: The flour paste acts as an edible glue, preventing the bourek from opening during cooking.
9. 9

   Repeat steps 6-8 with the remaining feuille de brick sheets and filling. Once all boureks are formed, lightly brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden sheen when cooked.

   💡 Tip: A light egg wash enhances color and crispiness.
10. 10

    To Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches about 180°C (350°F). Carefully place 2-3 boureks into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes per side, or until deep golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to turn them gently.

    💡 Tip: Maintain oil temperature for even cooking and crispiness. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in greasy boureks.
11. 11

    To Bake: Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). Arrange the boureks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, seam-side down. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are puffed up and golden brown.

    💡 Tip: Baking is a lighter alternative to frying and still yields a delicious result.
12. 12

    Remove fried boureks from the oil using a slotted spoon and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels. If baked, remove from the oven. Serve the boureks hot and fresh for the best crispy texture.

    💡 Tip: Serve immediately after cooking for optimal crispiness. They can be served as is or with a side of harissa or a fresh salad.