Byrek with curd cheese is one of the most beloved recipes of Albanian cuisine. Simple yet full of pure, authentic flavor, it is perfect both for a warm family breakfast and for a light dinner with friends.
Recipes
Yield
4 servings
Prep Time
5 minutes
Baking Time
15 minutes
Total Time
20 minutes
What will you need?
2 bowls (one large and one small)
Wooden spoon
Rolling pin
Baking pan
Kitchen brush
Towel
Ingredients
500 g white flour
250 ml lukewarm water
1 teaspoon salt
3–4 tablespoons olive oil (for the pastry and topping)
400 g fresh curd cheese (AOOS Bio Farm curd cheese recommended)
2 eggs (optional)
A little black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Dough preparation:
In a large bowl, mix the flour with the salt. Gradually add the lukewarm water and start kneading until a soft, elastic dough forms. Let it rest for 30 minutes, covered with a towel.
Filling preparation:
In another bowl, add the curd cheese, eggs, and a little black pepper. Mix well until a homogeneous mixture is formed.
Forming the pastry sheets:
After the dough has rested, divide it into 6–8 small balls. Roll each ball out with a rolling pin into a thin sheet.
Layering:
Grease the baking pan with a little oil. Place one pastry sheet on the bottom, brush it with oil, add another sheet, and continue this way for 3–4 layers. Add the curd cheese filling. Then place the remaining sheets on top, one over another, brushing each with oil.
Baking:
Drizzle a little oil over the byrek and place it in a preheated oven at 200°C for about 35–40 minutes, until it turns golden and develops a crispy crust.
Serving:
Let it cool slightly before cutting, and serve it warm with yogurt or buttermilk.
