Brek Turkish Pasties Recipe

Ingredients for Brek Turkish Pasties

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup warm milk
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Fresh Yeast
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg whites
• All Purpose Flour
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (for both fillings)
• Garlic Clove
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for both fillings)
• Feta Cheese
• 1 large egg, beaten (for ground beef filling)
• Fresh Parsley
• Fresh Dill
• Plain Yogurt
• Black Pepper
• 1 pound ground beef (for ground beef filling)
• Lemon Juice
• Chili Paste
• Ground Paprika

How to Make Brek Turkish Pasties

1. **Make the Dough:** In a large bowl, melt butter. Add warm milk, sugar, and salt. Stir until sugar and salt are dissolved.
2. **Activate Yeast:** Check the temperature of the milk mixture (it should be lukewarm, around 105-115°F). Sprinkle yeast over the mixture and let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy.
3. **Add Wet Ingredients:** Whisk in eggs and egg whites.
4. **Add Flour Gradually:** Gradually add flour, mixing until a soft dough forms.
5. **Knead the Dough:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, until smooth and elastic. Add more flour if needed.
6. **First Rise:** Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
7. **Prepare Feta Filling:** While the dough rises, finely chop onion and garlic. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté onion and garlic until softened. Let cool completely. Crumble feta into a bowl, add the sautéed onion and garlic mixture, and mix into a paste.
8. **Prepare Ground Beef Filling:** Finely chop onion and garlic. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat, brown ground beef, then add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until softened. Stir in parsley, cumin, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer until most liquid has evaporated. Let cool completely. Stir in beaten egg.
9. **Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet:** Preheat oven to 225°C (435°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
10. **Shape Pasties:** Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Divide the dough in half, then each half into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into an oval, about 1/8 inch thick.
11. **Fill Pasties:** Divide the fillings evenly among the ovals. Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, crimping the edges to seal.
12. **Egg Wash:** Brush the pasties with beaten egg yolk.
13. **Bake:** Place the pasties onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown.
14. **Serve:** Serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy!