National Dish Turkey: Cornmeal Börek (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Cornmeal Börek, a wonderfully rustic Turkish pastry that swaps the usual wheat dough for golden, slightly crumbly cornmeal. The result is a crisp, sunny crust wrapped around a savoury filling of cheese and fresh herbs. Light enough for a quick lunch yet hearty enough to satisfy, it makes a brilliant snack at any time of day. One bite and you will see why this country-kitchen classic has stood the test of time.
About Cornmeal Börek
Cornmeal Börek is a delicious Turkish speciality made with cornmeal rather than the wheat flour used in most pastries. The dish strikes an ideal balance between a crisp crust and a savoury filling, which is often built around feta cheese or meat. Unlike many other börek variations, the use of cornmeal is an interesting departure that gives this dish a character all its own. It is not only tasty but also a lovely way to get to know Turkish cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g cornmeal
- 100 ml water
- 50 ml olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 150 g feta cheese
- 1 egg
- Parsley, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
For the best quality and flavour, it is worth buying all of the ingredients for Cornmeal Börek fresh. Cornmeal is easy to find in Turkish grocery shops, while the other ingredients such as feta cheese and parsley are stocked by most supermarkets. Look for a feta with a high fat content, as it melts well during baking and gives you a lovely creamy filling. It is also a good idea to use a quality olive oil, which adds extra depth of flavour to the dish.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin cooking, it helps to have all of your ingredients ready to go. Measure out the quantities carefully and make sure everything is fresh. Finely chop the parsley and crumble the feta cheese into a bowl to prepare the filling. For a perfect texture you can also add other ingredients to taste, such as onions or peppers, which pair beautifully with this dish.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C.
- Mix the cornmeal with the water, olive oil and salt until you have a smooth dough.
- Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, prepare the filling by combining the feta, parsley and egg thoroughly.
- Divide the dough into two portions and roll each one out thinly.
- Spread the filling evenly over one of the sheets of dough.
- Cover the filling with the second sheet of dough and press the edges firmly together.
- Bake the börek for 25–30 minutes, until golden brown.
- Let the pastry cool a little before serving.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version you can combine the cornmeal with other gluten-free flours such as rice flour or cornflour. Just make sure all of the other ingredients are gluten-free too. For a lactose-free take, simply use a suitable lactose-free cheese. That way even people with particular dietary needs can enjoy this delicious Cornmeal Börek, much like a fruit-forward Vişne Kompostosu for afters.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
To make Cornmeal Börek vegan, swap the feta cheese for a plant-based alternative such as tofu or a fully plant-based cheese product. Instead of egg, you can use ground flaxseed or chia seeds to achieve a binding effect. The filling lends itself to plenty of variety too: vegetables such as courgette, spinach or mushrooms all work wonderfully. In this way the dish becomes not only tasty but also nourishing.
More tips and tricks
An important tip when making börek is to avoid rolling the dough out too thinly, as it can tear easily during baking. To stop the filling from drying out, you can stir in a spoonful of Greek yoghurt, which lends the filling a creamy consistency. Use a non-stick baking tray to ensure the börek does not stick. For extra crispness, brush the dough with a little water or oil before it goes into the oven.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The filling for Cornmeal Börek is easy to tailor to your own taste. You can try different types of cheese or add extra vegetables, depending on what you happen to have in the fridge. For a sweeter version you could even use fruit such as apples or pears, which together with cinnamon create an entirely new flavour. Let your creativity run free and experiment with different combinations!
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have cornmeal to hand, you can use wheat flour to achieve a similar texture, though the dish will no longer be gluten-free. For a lighter filling, try ricotta or cottage cheese instead of feta. In place of olive oil you can use butter, which gives the dish a richer flavour. There are plenty of alternatives that preserve the character of the dish while offering a different tasting experience — a flexibility shared by stuffed favourites like Sarma.
Drink pairing ideas
Cornmeal Börek goes best with Turkish tea or refreshing fruit juices, which make a lovely accompaniment to this savoury dish. A chilled mineral water with lemon is another excellent way to freshen the palate. If you fancy something with a little more punch, serve a dry white wine or a light beer, both of which harmonise well with the spices in the dish. These combinations turn the meal into something special.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present the dish attractively, arrange the börek on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or mint. A few slices of lemon and a dip of yoghurt or tzatziki make the dish even more appealing. Be sure to serve the börek warm, so that the cheese stays beautifully melted and the aromas come through. Pretty tableware can add to the overall effect, just as it does when serving a comforting Şehriyeli Tavuk Çorbası.
A bit of history
The tradition of börek has its roots in Ottoman cuisine, which brought together a wide range of regional influences. Cornmeal Börek developed over time into its own variation, particularly in the rural areas of Turkey where corn is a popular staple. The combination of different fillings and types of dough makes every börek something unique. It is not only a favourite dish for festive occasions but also a popular everyday snack.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Cornmeal Börek
The recipe for Cornmeal Börek is a delicious experience that showcases the versatility of Turkish cuisine. With its crisp crust and savoury filling, you can adapt and experiment with this dish entirely to your own taste. The preparation is straightforward, and the use of cornmeal delivers an intriguing flavour all its own. Whether you make a gluten-free, lactose-free or vegan version, Cornmeal Börek is sure to delight every palate.
