Potato Borek (Patates Boregi)
Living in Belgium for a good portion of my youth introduced me to the continental tradition of Sinterklaas, or St. Nicholas' feast day. Children usually leave out their socks or shoes and Sinterklaas, assisted by his friend, the politically incorrect Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) fills them up with goodies like Speculaas biscuits, sweets and fruits. Always one for sharing other cultures I decided that we would do this too with the girls. They are a little young yet for me to introduce the concept that this is where Santa really comes from, but they enjoyed the concept and some of the stories I told them.
Since St. Nicholas was actually a Catholic bishop in the now Turkish town of Myra, I decided to try a Turkish recipe I'd been hankering over for awhile now in his honour. It was in a copy of The King Arthur Flour Baking Sheet magazine and I remember just loving the look and sound of it when it came in the door!
It was a roaring success and would make a great light lunch or breakfast or a side dish for a main meal. I expected more of a quiche like texture, but was surprised by the pleasant density it possessed - no "egginess" at all. Other than omitting the dried mint, of which I had none, I followed the recipe exactly and would not change a thing and that's despite me having some hesitation about the yoghurt! Delicious! This is such a wonderful recipe and one I know I will make again. Both husband and kid approved!
- 3/4 cup sunflower oil
- 1 cup yogurt
- 3 eggs
- 4 1/2 cups diced raw potatoes
- 3 cups white onions, diced
- 3/4 cup diced carrot
- 3/4 cup thawed frozen peas
- 1 tsp dried mint
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 1/2 cups flour
Pre-heat oven to 200C/400F. Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan.
Mix oil, yoghurt, eggs and spices in large bowl. Fold in vegetables until evenly distributed. Pour into pan and smooth out.
Bake for 40-45 minutes until top is browned and potatoes are cooked. Mine took about half an hour with a fan oven.
This makes a lot!!!
Reminder 1 cup = 8 fluid ounces for my European friends! Break out your pyrex measuring jug for this one!
Enjoy!
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