Rustic Burek: Balkan pastry delight, cheese and spinach

Discover the Authenticity of Burek Under the Bell

Burek under the bell or under the sač is a traditional dish prepared in a specific way under a metal cover (sač or peka) covered with glowing embers. Here is a detailed recipe for this delicious version of burek:

150+

Recettes authentiques

Goûts uniques

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 500 g flour (type 400 or similar)

• 300 ml warm water

• 1 tablespoon salt

• 2-3 tablespoons oil (or melted fat)

For the Filling:

• 500 g ground beef (you can also combine it with lamb)

• 1 large onion, finely chopped

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2-3 tablespoons oil

For Cooking:

• Oil or fat for brushing the dough

• Sač or peka

Preparation:

1. Prepare the Dough:

   • Sift the flour into a large bowl and add the salt.

   • Gradually add the warm water while mixing until a soft dough forms.

   • Add the oil and continue kneading the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

   • Divide the dough into balls (usually 4-5 balls), brush them with oil, and let them rest under a cloth for at least 30 minutes.

2. Prepare the Filling:

   • Sauté the finely chopped onion in a little oil until it becomes translucent.

   • Add the ground meat and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   • Let the filling cool.

3. Stretch the Dough:

   • On a clean, floured surface, stretch each dough ball as thinly as possible, almost until it becomes transparent.

   • Use your hands to gently stretch the dough to avoid tearing.

   • Continue until the dough is thin and elastic.

4. Assemble the Burek:

   • Brush each stretched sheet of dough with oil.

   • Evenly distribute the meat filling over the dough.

   • Fold the edges inward and roll the burek into a snail shape or stack it in layers, depending on your preference.

   • Place the burek in an oiled dish.

5. Bake Under the Bell (Sač):

   • Prepare the embers over a well-heated fire.

   • Place the dish with the burek under the bell (sač) and cover the lid with glowing embers.

   • Bake the burek for about 30 to 40 minutes until it becomes golden. Add more embers if necessary to maintain a stable temperature.

   • After baking, remove the burek and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips:

• The temperature under the bell should be uniform, so it is important to maintain the fire.

• If you don’t have a sač, you can also bake the burek in a traditional oven at 200°C for 30 to 40 minutes.

• This method of preparing burek gives it a unique flavor as the dough and filling cook under natural conditions under the bell, enhancing the authenticity of the dish.

Enjoy this authentic specialty!

Recipe for Burek Under the Bell (Peka), a Traditional Cooking Method