Crispy Meat Triangles

Bourekakia (Meat Triangles) Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes
🕒 Cook Time: 35 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 40 minutes

🍽 Servings: 12 triangles

Description:

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Bourekakia, a savory Greek treat that combines minced meat, onions, spices, and feta cheese wrapped in crispy phyllo pastry triangles. These delicious parcels are perfect for lunch, snacks, potlucks, or whenever you crave a flavorful bite!

Ingredients:

• 1 lb topside mince
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tbsp marsala wine
• 1 cup feta cheese, grated
• 12 sheets phyllo pastry
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:

   • In a saucepan, heat some oil over medium heat and sauté the finely chopped onion until translucent.
   • Add the topside mince to the pan and brown it, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.
   • Stir in the tomato paste, pepper, salt, nutmeg, and marsala wine. Cook until the mince is fully cooked and most of the liquid has evaporated.

2. Mix in the Eggs and Cheese:

   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and allow the mince mixture to cool slightly.
   • Once cooled, stir in the beaten eggs and grated feta cheese until well combined. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Phyllo Pastry:

   • Carefully remove the phyllo pastry sheets from the packet, keeping them covered with a moist tea towel to prevent them from drying out.
   • Cut each phyllo sheet lengthwise to create long strips, and brush each strip generously with melted butter.

4. Assemble the Bourekakia:

   • Take one buttered phyllo strip and fold it in half lengthwise to form a double-layered strip.
   • Place a spoonful of the meat and cheese mixture at the bottom of the strip.
   • Fold the bottom corner of the phyllo strip diagonally over the filling to form a triangle. Continue folding the triangle along the strip until you reach the end, ensuring the corners are tucked in to seal the filling.

5. Bake the Bourekakia:

   • Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F) and grease a baking tray.
   • Brush the top of each assembled triangle with melted butter and place them on the prepared baking tray.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the Bourekakia are golden brown and crispy.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once baked, remove the Bourekakia from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving.
   • These savory meat triangles can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature, and they make a perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion.

7. Storage Tips:

   • If you have any leftover Bourekakia, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
   • Alternatively, you can freeze the unbaked Bourekakia on a tray until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage. When ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

8. Optional Serving Suggestion:

   • Serve your Bourekakia alongside a refreshing Greek salad and tzatziki sauce for a complete and satisfying meal experience.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 126.6
• Fat: 8.6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.9g
• Cholesterol: 42.1mg
• Sodium: 213.7mg
• Carbohydrates: 6.7g
  • Fiber: 0.4g
  • Sugar: 1.4g
• Protein: 3.6g

Recipe Notes:

• Ensure to handle the phyllo pastry gently and keep it covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out and becoming brittle.
• Feel free to customize the filling with your favorite herbs and spices for a personalized flavor profile.
• These Bourekakia can be served as a delicious appetizer, snack, or part of a larger Mediterranean-inspired meal spread.
• Don’t forget to brush the triangles with melted butter before baking to achieve that irresistible golden brown crust.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties or add vegetables to the filling mixture for additional flavor and texture variations.