How to Make Thanksgiving-Inspired Bourekas

The Boureka is not merely a famous Israeli food, it's an iconic emblem of Israeli and Sephardi cuisine that's delectable at any time of day. As a staple in Israeli households and holiday tables and are filled with everything from ricotta cheese, spinach, potatoes, or even seasoned ground beef. Visitors of the famous Israeli shuks, like Shuk HaCarmel or Machne Yehuda, can hear bakers shouting "boureka, boureka, boureka" as a way to entice people to try the delish food.

We at Birthright Israel Foundation are putting a Thanksgiving twist on classic Israeli food by making the filling with mashed potatoes! Or, you can use this recipe as a delicious solution for creatively repurposing those festive leftovers.

Thanksgiving-Inspired Bourekas

What You'll Need

• 2 cups mashed potatoes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 piece of puff pastry defrosted
• Flour for dusting
• 1 egg whisked
• Sesame seeds
• 1 cup of gravy for dipping

Directions

Preheat and Prepare:

• Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Boureka Filling:

• In a medium bowl, mix the mashed potatoes with salt and pepper.
• You can also add any other leftovers you may have. Brussel sprouts or even turkey would add great flavor and texture.

Prepare the Puff Pastry:

• On a clean surface, lightly sprinkle flour so the puff pastry will not stick.
• Roll out the puff pastry to 12x12 inches and cut evenly into 9 squares.
• Place 1 heaping tablespoon of the mashed potato filling on each square.
• After you have placed the filling on each square, fold over the puff pastry to make a triangle.
• Using a fork, light press on the edges to secure the sides to each other.

Baking the Bourekas:

• Evenly space your bourekas on your prepared baking sheet.
• Using a pastry brush, brush the egg wash onto each boureka and then sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
• Bake the bourekas for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Serve!

• While your bourekas are baking, warm up your gravy!
• Serve the bourekas warm with a side of gravy to dip them in.

More Thanksgiving Recipe Ideas!

Thanksgiving is a time for family and there is no better way to enjoy each other's company than with mouthwatering hearty dishes. We suggest trying our Pumpkin Spice Challah or the Pumpkin Streussel Coffee Cake.