National Dish Israel: Bourekas (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Bourekas, one of Israel’s most beloved savoury snacks! These crisp pastry parcels wrap flaky puff pastry around soft, moreish fillings of potato, spinach and cheese. Whether pulled warm from the oven or served cool as a starter, they turn up everywhere from bustling markets to family celebrations. With their golden, sesame-flecked tops and endlessly variable fillings, they bring a fragrant slice of Israel straight to your plate.
About Bourekas
Bourekas are crisp pastry parcels with roots in Jewish cooking, and they are especially cherished across Israel. They are not only a traditional snack but also an ideal dish for all kinds of occasions. Bourekas can be made with a wide range of fillings — from potato and spinach to tangy cheese — which makes them a wonderfully flexible option in the kitchen. Hot from the oven or served cold as a starter, these little treats delight with their delicious flavour and satisfyingly crisp texture.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g puff pastry
- 200 g cooked potatoes, mashed
- 100 g feta cheese, crumbled
- 50 g fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 egg, for glazing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Shopping for the ingredients
For the best bourekas, buy your ingredients from a local supermarket or market. Pay particular attention to fresh spinach and good-quality feta cheese, as the quality of the ingredients has a real impact on the flavour of the finished dish. Puff pastry is usually found in the chilled section and can be bought either fresh or frozen. Don’t forget to pick up an egg for the glaze too, which gives the bourekas their lovely golden-brown colour.
Preparing the dish
Before you start shaping the bourekas, gather all your ingredients and preheat the oven to 180°C. Boil the potatoes and mash them until smooth. The spinach should be washed and thoroughly drained beforehand. In a bowl, combine the mashed potato, the crumbled feta and the chopped spinach. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix everything together well.
Step-by-step instructions
- Roll out the puff pastry and cut it into squares.
- Place a little of the filling in the centre of each square.
- Brush the edges of the pastry with water and fold the parcels over to seal.
- Brush the tops of the bourekas with a beaten egg.
- Arrange the bourekas on a baking tray lined with parchment.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of these delicious pastries, use gluten-free puff pastry, which is now stocked in many supermarkets. Make sure all the other ingredients are gluten-free too, particularly the cheese and any spices. For a lactose-free variation, prepare the filling with lactose-free cheese, or leave the cheese out altogether and add more vegetables. These adjustments let you enjoy bourekas for a range of dietary needs without losing their distinctive flavour.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Vegan bourekas are a great choice for anyone avoiding animal products. You can vary the filling with roasted vegetables, pulses or guacamole. Instead of egg, brush the parcels with a mixture of plant-based milk and flour, which keeps the pastry glossy and appealing while the filling adapts entirely to your preferences. Much like Sambusak, bourekas take beautifully to a meat-free makeover.
More tips and tricks
To make your bourekas even tastier, add spices such as cumin or paprika to the filling. This not only brings an extra kick of flavour but also lends a special character. You can also scatter sesame or nigella seeds over the tops after baking to add more texture and an intriguing taste. Experiment with different fillings to discover your own personal favourites.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The beauty of bourekas lies in their versatility. Vary the filling however the mood takes you: try courgette, carrot or sautéed onion, for example. These twists keep things interesting and let you make the most of seasonal produce. You can vary the size of the parcels too — from small, bite-sized morsels to large, hearty pieces — so they suit any occasion perfectly.
Ingredient substitutions
If you would rather not use puff pastry, try a dough made from wholemeal flour or chickpea flour instead. These alternatives bring a different flavour along with some extra nutrients. For the filling, you can swap the feta for tofu or cashew cheese to keep things vegan. Be creative and try new combinations to build your perfect bourekas — the same adventurous spirit that shines in dishes like Stuffed Peppers.
Drink pairing ideas
Refreshing drinks pair especially well with bourekas. A light, fruity drink or a young wine complements the flavours of the pastries beautifully. A glass of kefir or a yoghurt drink offers a pleasant refreshment too. For an alcohol-free option, there are plenty of fruit blends or simply water with lemon, which won’t overpower the bourekas and provide a lovely contrast.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can be decisive for that all-important first impression. Serve the bourekas on a colourful plate or a rustic wooden board. You can also use fresh herbs such as parsley or mint as garnish. Adding a few small bowls of dips — like hummus or a yoghurt sauce — alongside makes the spread more exciting and brings extra flavours that go wonderfully with the bourekas. A little bowl of Hummus never goes amiss here.
A bit of history
Bourekas trace their roots to the Ottoman Empire and were shaped by the many cultures of the region. These delicious pastries were traditionally made by the Jewish community in Turkey and other Mediterranean countries before they found their way to Israel. Today they are a fixture of Israeli cuisine and are often sold at festivals and markets. Bourekas are more than a snack; they are a symbol of multicultural food and the customs of the many peoples who live in the region.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Bourekas
In short, bourekas are a varied and delicious dish that plays a starring role in Israeli cuisine. With their many fillings and endless scope for adaptation, they are ideal for anyone who enjoys cooking and loves discovering new flavours. They are simple to make, and the result wins everyone over with its taste and texture. Whether as a snack, a starter or a main course, bourekas bring a piece of Israel to your plate and are a highlight of any meal.
