Bourekia With Anari (Cypriot Sweet Pastry With Cheese)
Enjoy the sweet, crispy delight of Bourekia With Anari! These Cypriot pastries, filled with creamy cheese and a touch of cinnamon, are a perfect treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filo
- 400 grams plain flour
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 150 ml water add more or less depending on the texture
Cheese Filling
- 500 grams anari substitute for ricotta
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ cup sugar
Garnish (optional)
- white sugar
- cinnamon
- icing sugar
- honey
Instructions
Filo
- In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, and melted butter.
- Mix until the mixture resembles flaky breadcrumbs.
- Create a well in the center and gradually add water, mixing until you achieve a soft, smooth dough that doesn't stick to your hands. Adjust the water as needed, adding up to 50ml more or less.
- Lightly flour your workbench and knead the dough for a few minutes.
- Shape the dough into a ball, cover it with cling wrap, and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Cheese Filling
- In a bowl, crumble the anari (or ricotta) into small pieces using your hands.
- Add the cinnamon and sugar.
- Mix well with a fork, then cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Set aside until ready to use.
Assembly and Cooking
- Divide the dough ball into 2-4 smaller pieces. Roll each piece into thin disks on a floured workbench, one at a time, keeping the others covered.
- Use a cookie cutter or cup (about 90 cm in diameter) to cut the dough into disks. Each disk should weigh around 10-11 grams.
- Place about 14-15 grams of cheese filling onto each disk.
- Fold the disks in half to form half circles, then press the edges gently with your fingers.
- Seal the edges by pressing with a fork to create a decorative pattern.
- Place the assembled bourekia on a dish and cover them. Repeat until all are made.
- In a saucepan, heat vegetable oil to 165-185°C.
- Carefully add some bourekia to the hot oil, turning them to ensure even cooking.
- Fry until golden brown, then transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Let them rest and cool for an hour after cooking.
Garnish Options
- Mix sugar and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Sprinkle the mixture over the bourekia.
- For extra sweetness, drizzle with honey.
- You can also garnish with icing sugar for a traditional touch. - The way you decide to finish these is completely up to your preferences.
Video
Notes
Fry with a neutral-flavoured oil.
Nutrition
Calories: 102kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 3gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 70mgPotassium: 33mgFiber: 0.4gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 137IUVitamin C: 0.001mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg
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