Recipes

Eggplant Börek

Name: Eggplant Börek
Total time: 120 min
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 1 large onion, coarsely chopped; 1 pound mild green peppers, such as cubanelles or Anaheims—stemmed, seeded and coarsely chopped; Salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 pounds plum tomatoes—halved, seeded and finely chopped; 3 pounds small eggplants, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/2 cup canola oil, plus more for brushing; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup milk; One 16-ounce package phyllo dough

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Börek is a Middle Eastern pastry filled with anything from vegetables to cheese and ground meat. For this version, Meltem Conant sautés eggplant, peppers and tomatoes and bakes them in layers of phyllo. It's a great option for a vegetarian main course. More Global Holiday Dishes

By Meltem Conant

Updated on November 5, 2018

Eggplant Börek — Photo: © Petrina Tinslay

Active Time:

45 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs

Yield:

10

Ingredients

6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 large onion, coarsely chopped
1 pound mild green peppers, such as cubanelles or Anaheims—stemmed, seeded and coarsely chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 pounds plum tomatoes—halved, seeded and finely chopped
3 pounds small eggplants, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup canola oil, plus more for brushing
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
One 16-ounce package phyllo dough

Directions

In a large, deep skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and peppers, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderate heat, stirring frequently, until softened, about 10 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook until softened and their liquid has evaporated, about 10 minutes. Stir in the eggplant and season with salt and pepper. Cover and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, 15 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a bowl and let cool slightly.
Preheat the oven to 400° and lightly oil a 9-by-13-inch glass baking dish. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk and 1/2 cup of canola oil. Lay a sheet of phyllo on a work surface and brush with the egg mixture; repeat until you have a stack of 4 sheets. Transfer the stack to the baking dish and spread one-third of the eggplant mixture on top. Repeat the layering twice more with the brushed phyllo sheets and eggplant filling, then end with a stack of brushed phyllo.
Trim the overhanging phyllo slightly and tuck it under itself. Brush any remaining egg mixture on top of the börek and bake for about 45 minutes, until deeply golden on top and sizzling. Let the börek rest for 20 minutes before cutting into squares and serving.

Suggested Pairing

Tannins in red wine can bring out eggplant's inherent bitterness, so pair this dish with a fruity, light-bodied red that's low in tannins, such as Gamay.