Flaky Pastry with Green Lentil

Sample Dishes from Turkish Cuisine

Flaky Pastry with Green Lentil (Mercimekli Bükme Böreği)

Preparation

Sift flour in a large bowl, reserving 1/4 cup. Add salt; mix. Make a hole in center of flour. Add egg, vinegar and water gradually, blending thoroughly. Add 1-2 tablespoons of water if necessary. Knead for 7-8 minutes to make a medium soft dough. Divide into 3 portions. Shape into balls. Cover with a damp napkin. Let stand for 10 minutes. Cook soaked green lentils with 3/4 cup of water for 30-35 minutes in a covered saucepan. Remove from heat; cool. Stir in lentils, egg white with salt and pepper. Set aside. Divide softened margarine into 6 portions. Roll each (10 inch) in diameter, sprinkling with flour. Place one pastry on top of the other.  Use margarine between layers. Chill for 10 minutes. Roll into a circle 50 cm. Spread 2 portions of margarine over. Fold opposite edges in thirds over for 10 minutes. Repeat same process twice more with remaining portions of margarine on board. Cut into 20 pieces by 5 on long side, 4 on short side. Stretch each inch thick oblong. Place fılling in center: Fold long sides over fılling. Arrange on folded sides up. Banish with beaten egg yolk. Bake in moderately hot oven for 25 minutes.

Servings: 10

Nutritional Value
(in approximately one serving)

Regional Characteristics:

This lentil fılled börek is an Afyon province speciality. The name comes from its folding manner. It is served with sour cherry hoşaf or with water melon or antaloup in the summer months.