1. Home
  2. International
  3. Greek Recipes
  4. Mpourekakia Recipe

Traditional Mpourekakia

2022-11-02

By Kostas Papadopoulos

Greek Cuisine

Appetizer

3 Healthier Ways to Make Mpourekakia: Slow Cooker, Instant Pot, and Air Fryer Recipes

Slow Cooker Mpourekakia: A Lighter, Tender Version with No Frying Required

While traditionally fried, you can use your slow cooker to make a lighter version of mpourekakia by cooking the rolled pastries with their filling in the slow cooker. Set to "Low" for 2-3 hours, allowing the filling to cook through and flavors to meld, creating a more tender result while minimizing oil use.

Instant Pot Mpourekakia: Moist, Flavorful Pastries Cooked to Perfection in Just Minutes

Use the "Saute" function to brown the meat filling, then roll it in phyllo dough and place the rolls in a steam basket. Add a small amount of water, cover, and set the Instant Pot to "Pressure Cook" for 6-8 minutes. This method locks in moisture while giving you perfectly cooked mpourekakia without frying.

Air Fryer Mpourekakia: Crispy, Golden Rolls with a Healthier Twist

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray your rolled mpourekakia with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer creates a crispy, golden exterior without the need for deep frying, resulting in a healthier yet equally delicious treat.

Tips and Suggestions on Mpourekakia

Working with Phyllo Dough

Phyllo dough is essential to making crispy Mpourekakia, but it can be difficult to handle. To avoid it drying out, always keep the dough covered with a damp cloth. Brushing each layer with butter or olive oil not only enhances the flavor but also helps the dough stay pliable, making it easier to work with.

Getting the Right Filling Consistency

The filling for Mpourekakia can vary, with options such as spinach, feta cheese, or minced meat. The challenge is ensuring the filling is well-seasoned and evenly distributed throughout the pastry. Make sure to balance the texture and flavor for a savory, satisfying bite every time.

Perfecting the Shape of Mpourekakia

While Mpourekakia are commonly shaped into triangles, they can also be made into logs or rectangles. The key to shaping is ensuring the filling stays inside the pastry. Sealing the edges with an egg wash or water helps prevent any filling from leaking out during baking, resulting in a crisp, perfectly sealed snack.

Achieving a Golden Brown Crust

Mpourekakia should be baked to a golden brown and crispy texture, which can be challenging due to the phyllo dough’s tendency to burn quickly. Rotate the pan halfway through baking for even cooking, and consider adding a touch of sugar to the egg wash for a beautifully crisp and golden crust.

Serving Suggestions for Mpourekakia

Mpourekakia are perfect as a savory appetizer or snack, served warm or at room temperature. Enhance their flavor by garnishing with fresh herbs or a drizzle of honey for a sweet-savory contrast that elevates the overall dish.

Classic Mpourekakia Recipe

Ingredients

  • 450g phyllo pastry
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 500g ground beef
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 1/4 cup red wine
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley
  • 1/4 cup chopped mint
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup grated kefalotyri cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C.
  2. Heat up a frying pan, add olive oil and sauté the onion and garlic for 5 minutes until golden brown.
  3. Add the ground beef, cinnamon, salt and pepper, and sauté until cooked, approximately 10 minutes.
  4. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, red wine, parsley, and mint to the frying pan. Mix together and stir for 5 minutes until thickened.
  5. Cut the phyllo pastry into 3” x 7” rectangles.
  6. Brush each rectangle with olive oil.
  7. Add 1 tablespoon of the beef filling to each rectangle, fold them into a triangle, and press the edges to seal.
  8. Place the triangles on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown.
  9. Serve hot, topped with grated kefalotyri cheese and a sprinkle of parsley.
  10. Enjoy!

Cooking Time

Preparation Time 45 min

Cook Time 1 hr

Total time 1 hr 45 min

Nutrition Facts

  • Calories: 377
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Protein: 16 g

Variations for Mpourekakia

Mpourekakia with Minced Meat

This version is made with flaky pastry wrapped around a flavorful filling of spiced minced meat, baked until crispy and golden.

Mpourekakia with Minced Meat

Mpourekakia with Cheese

This version is made with delicate pastry filled with a rich mixture of creamy cheeses, baked to perfection for a delightful savory treat.

Mpourekakia with Cheese

Mpourekakia Recipe Review

Go to Top