Milas Tray Pastry


Description and Distinguishing Features of the Product:

Milas Tray Börek is a type of pastry prepared by layering thin sheets of dough, which are mixed with olive oil with a free acidity value of less than 1% obtained from olives of the memecik variety grown within the boundaries of Milas district, and filled with a mixture of various herbs that grow naturally and are specially cultivated in the Milas region, along with curd cheese produced in the same region. The herbs used in the börek are found growing spontaneously in nature in the Milas region, and some are specifically cultivated. The curd cheese used is made from the milk of cows that graze on natural herbs within the boundaries of Milas.

Milas Tray Pastry

The distinctive feature of the product comes from the combination of various herbs, curd cheese specific to the Milas region, and olive oil obtained from memecik olives grown within the boundaries of the Milas district, with a free acidity value of less than 1%.

The curd cheese used in Milas Tray Börek is made from the milk of cows that graze on natural herbs within the boundaries of Milas, giving it the unique flavor of these herbs. Both the herbs and vegetables placed inside Milas Tray Börek, and the herbs that nourish the cows providing the milk for curd cheese, are influenced by the specific characteristics of the region, such as soil, water, and climate. As a result, they acquire unique flavors and aromas. The herbs used in the making of Milas Tray Börek can be found in mixed form under the name 'böreklik ot' (herbs for börek) in the Milas Market.

Production Method:

The herbs available at the Milas Market, as listed above, are washed thoroughly with plenty of water and mixed. The cleaned herbs are then cut into pieces no wider than 0.5 cm, placed in a bowl, and mixed with curd cheese. To this mixture, olive oil with a free acidity value of less than 1% obtained from memecik olives grown within the boundaries of Milas district is added. It is mixed again to ensure the harmonization of herbs and cheese, creating the filling.A dough for the börek is prepared by kneading two eggs, a pinch of salt, and enough flour with warm water. The dough is allowed to rest for a while.

From the rested dough, nine thin sheets are rolled out to cover the inside of the tray where the börek will be baked. The tray is greased with olive oil with a free acidity value of less than 1% obtained from memecik olives grown within the boundaries of Milas district. Three sheets of dough are laid on the tray, and olive oil is drizzled between them (by dripping) before spreading them on the tray. The previously prepared filling is generously spread over the three sheets of dough on the tray. Three more sheets of dough are laid on top, with olive oil drizzled between them. Another layer of filling is spread over this. Three more sheets of dough are placed on top with olive oil drizzled between them. The prepared börek is sliced into squares, triangles, or diamond shapes as desired. One beaten egg mixed with a little olive oil is brushed over the börek's surface, preparing it for baking.

It is preferred to bake the börek in neighborhood ovens fueled by wood fires or outdoor ovens in gardens. However, it can also be baked in electric ovens at home.Once baked, Milas Tray Börek is served on plates, either plain or accompanied by strained yogurt according to preference.

Market Presentation of Milas Tray Börek:
Milas Tray Börek, when cooked in restaurants, bakeries, or ovens, is transferred from the baking tray to plates for consumption at an appropriate temperature.If Milas Tray Börek is not going to be consumed where it is prepared, it is packed for those who want to purchase it. It is placed in glass, plastic, or specially made cardboard boxes, prepared in accordance with the Turkish Food Codex and designed not to compromise the characteristics of the börek.To maintain its qualities, Milas Tray Börek is not packed while still hot. Packaging can be done after it has cooled down.