| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 359 | 23g | 7g | 31g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 3g | 2g | 9g | 0.3g |
Why I Love Israeli Vegan Spinach Borekas
Every time I prepare the Vegan Spinach Borekas, I smothered in rich, creamy vegan feta cheese, I’m reminded of how diverse and vibrant food can be. Not traditional to my Pacific Northwest or Japanese heritage, this Israeli dish represents a different part of the world, yet sobeautifully resonates with my dedication towards exploring multifaceted cuisines.
The Seafood Connection
While it doesn’t align directly with my signature sushi or seafood dishes, the Vegan Spinach Borekas still connects to my style of cooking in a fascinating way. The rich flavors enveloping each bite remind me of the first time I ventured into Sandra Lee’s Sable with Thinly Sliced Smoked Salmon. The complex flavor profile and texture of this dish resonate with the intricate layers of puff pastry and vegan feta cheese filling of the Borekas.
Inspiration Behind the Recipe
The versatility and varied application of the puff pastry intrigue me. Whether it is used in a sweet, creamy Danish or the savoury, melt in your mouth Borekas, the intensity of flavors it carries is truly inspiring. Speaking of inspiration, the person who led me to experiment with this Israeli cuisine is none other than Yotam Ottolenghi. His bold use of ingredients and flavor profiles has always encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone.
In terms of pairing, this vegan delight slots in perfectly for brunch or a light dinner. Borekas can be teamed perfectly with a lightly dressed green salad, bringing freshness to the table. Alternatively, pair it with a Mediterranean salsa, such as Jamie Oliver’s Tomato and Sumac Salad, to complement its rich, savory flavor.
Creating the Vegan Spinach Borekas is more than just cooking; it’s the exploration of cultures merging into one harmonious creation, adding another interesting note to my culinary journey.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup of chopped white onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 cups of vegan feta cheese
- 2 sheets of vegan puff pastry
- 1/4 cup of non-dairy milk for glazing
- 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds (optional)
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While your oven is preheating, place the 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves into a large bowl of cold water to soak. This will help to clean the spinach.
Step Two
In a large skillet, heat the 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the 1 cup of chopped white onion and the 2 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Cook these ingredients, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft and transparent, which should take around five minutes.
Step Three
Next, you will need to drain the spinach leaves that were set aside earlier. Once drained, chop the leaves finely. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet with the onions and garlic. These ingredients should cook for around two more minutes.
Step Four
Add the 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 cups of vegan feta cheese into the skillet as well. Stir all the ingredients until they are well combined and the vegan feta cheese has melted into the mixture.
Step Five
Roll out the two sheets of vegan puff pastry on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into squares or triangles, or any shape you prefer. Spoon a dollop of the spinach and vegan feta cheese mixture onto the center of each piece of pastry. Then, fold the pastry over the filling, and press the edges together to seal them.
Step Six
Arrange the filled borekas on a baking sheet. Brush each one with the 1/4 cup of non-dairy milk. This will create a nice shiny glaze on the borekas when they are baked. If you’d like, you can also sprinkle some sesame seeds on top of the borekas.
Step Seven
Bake the borekas in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and puffed up. Once they are done baking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Vegan Spinach Borekas!
