Greek Style Bourekia Recipe (Potato and Leek Puffs Recipe)
The Greek Style Bourekia, also known as Potato and Leek Puffs, is a delightful savory snack that’s perfect for any occasion. These handheld pies are stuffed with a delicious filling of mashed potatoes and leeks, which bring a wonderful combination of earthy and savory flavors, with a hint of spice. Traditionally, Bourekia are made with a sweet cheese filling known as “Ansari,” but in this variation, we’ve added leeks for extra crunch and flavor. The pies can either be fried or baked, and for this recipe, we’re baking them to create a golden, crispy outer shell. Wrapped in pizza dough, they make for a perfect snack or appetizer at any gathering. Let’s dive into this simple and mouthwatering Greek recipe.
Recipe Details:
- Cuisine: Greek
- Course: Snack
- Diet: Vegetarian
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 12-14 pieces
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the Pie Crust | |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 1/2 cups |
| Butter (Salted) | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1/4 teaspoon |
| For the Filling | |
| Potatoes (Aloo), boiled and mashed | 3 medium-sized |
| Leek | 2 stalks, finely chopped |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Turmeric powder (Haldi) | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chilli flakes | 1 teaspoon |
| Fennel seeds (Saunf), crushed | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Dough
- Begin by preparing the pizza dough. If you need a recipe, check out the Homemade Pizza Dough Recipe for guidance.
Step 2: Preparing the Filling
-
Start by cooking the potatoes. Place the potatoes in a pressure cooker and cook for about 5 whistles. Once done, allow the pressure to release naturally. After peeling the potatoes, mash them coarsely with a fork or potato masher.
-
Heat a saucepan over medium heat and add the oil. Once the oil heats up, add the chopped leeks and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
-
Add the mashed potatoes to the leeks and stir to combine. Then, add the turmeric powder, red chili flakes, crushed fennel seeds, and salt. Sauté the mixture for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend together. Remove the filling from the heat and set it aside to cool.
Step 3: Assembling the Bourekia
-
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
-
Take the pizza dough and divide it into small portions, approximately the size of a lemon. Roll each portion into a ball, and then press each ball into a flat, round shape using your hands. Cut each round into a square shape.
-
Place about 1 tablespoon of the potato and leek filling in the center of each square. Carefully fold the dough over the filling to form a pocket, sealing the edges tightly by pressing them together. To ensure the edges are firmly sealed, use a fork to crimp the edges.
Step 4: Baking the Bourekia
-
Place the prepared Bourekia on a greased baking tray. Lightly grease the tops of the pies with a bit of melted butter or oil to help them brown beautifully in the oven.
-
Bake the Bourekia in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the dough turns golden and crispy.
Step 5: Adding the Finishing Touch
- Once the Bourekia are crispy and golden, you can give them a touch of sweetness and shine by brushing the tops with a small amount of honey. This step adds a beautiful color and a hint of sweetness that balances the savory filling.
Step 6: Serving
- Serve the Greek Style Bourekia (Potato and Leek Puffs) as a delightful tea-time snack or as a party appetizer. They are best enjoyed warm, with a crunchy exterior and a soft, flavorful filling inside.
Pro Tips
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare the dough and filling ahead of time. Store the filling in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Assemble and bake when ready.
- Frying option: If you prefer to fry these Bourekia, heat oil in a deep frying pan and fry the puffs until golden and crispy on all sides. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Greek Style Bourekia is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. The hearty, comforting potato filling with the slight crunch of the leek, combined with the soft and flaky dough, makes for a satisfying snack. The hint of turmeric adds a warming flavor, and the optional honey drizzle gives the dish a subtle sweet contrast. Whether served at a gathering or as an afternoon snack, these pies will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
Enjoy these delicious Greek Style Bourekia with a warm cup of tea or as an appetizer at your next gathering, and watch them disappear quickly!
