Su Boregi (Turkish Water Pastry)

About This Recipe

Su boregi is one of Turkey's most cherished savory pastries, known for its tender boiled dough layers rather than the flaky texture of yufka borek. The name means water pastry because the homemade sheets are briefly boiled, shocked in cold water, and layered with butter before baking. This creates a texture somewhere between fresh pasta, lasagna, and pastry: soft, rich, and gently elastic. A classic filling of white cheese and parsley keeps the flavor clean, letting the dough and butter carry the dish. It is celebratory enough for guests but familiar enough for breakfast tables, tea spreads, and holiday mornings.

Ingredients

Serves 8

• 600 gall-purpose flour
• 5 largeeggs
• 80 mlwater
• 1.5 tspsalt
• 180 gbutter, melted
• 400 gTurkish white cheese or feta, crumbled
• 0.5 bunchparsley, chopped
• 2 tbspolive oil, for the tray

Instructions

1. 1

   Knead the dough

   Mix flour, eggs, water, and salt into a firm dough. Knead 10 minutes until smooth, then rest covered for 30 minutes.

2. 2

   Roll sheets

   Divide dough into 10 balls. Roll each as thinly as possible, roughly the size of your baking tray.

3. 3

   Prepare filling

   Mix crumbled cheese with parsley. If using salty feta, rinse briefly and drain first.

4. 4

   Boil sheets

   Boil each dough sheet for 45 to 60 seconds, transfer to cold water, then drain on towels.

   Work gently; boiled sheets are tender but patching small tears is completely normal.

5. 5

   Layer

   Oil the tray. Add one unboiled bottom sheet if desired, then layer boiled sheets with melted butter between each. Add cheese filling in the middle layers.

6. 6

   Bake

   Bake at 190°C / 375°F for 40 to 45 minutes until the top is golden and the center is set. Rest 15 minutes before slicing.

Variations

• •

  Use a mix of kashar and white cheese for a meltier filling.

• •

  Add dill with parsley for a fresher herb note.

• •

  Make a spinach-cheese version by squeezing cooked spinach very dry.

Storage

Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat slices in a moderate oven until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions