Tavuk Borek (Turkish Chicken Pastries)

1. 1

   Steam the chicken breast over boiling water for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked, set aside to cool; then, once cooled, remove the skin and bones and finely chop the flesh.

2. 2

   Heat the butter, add the flour and cook over a moderate heat for a few minutes, stirring. Gradually add the milk, bring to the boil, then immediately lower the heat and simmer over a low heat for 2 minutes and add the cinnamon and raisins and season to taste with salt and pepper. Then set aside to cool, covering the surface with a piece of plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming. When the sauce is cool, stir through the chicken.

3. 3

   Cut the pastry lengthways into three strips. Cover with a tea towel. Take one strip of pastry, brush lightly with oil and place a little filling at one end. Fold over end and sides and roll up neatly. Place seam side down on a greased baking tray. Repeat with remaining pastry and filling. Brush tops with a little oil and bake in a moderate oven (180u00b0C; 350u00b0F) for 20-25 minutes, or until golden.

4. 4

   Serve warm.

5. 5

   Note: To make the Borek as a main meal make double the quantity of filling, by following the instructions in steps 1 and 2. Leave the pastry whole, and use 3 lightly oiled sheets to line the base of a suitable lightly oiled pan. Once the filling mixture has cooled, place it over the pastry and cover it with 3 more lightly oiled sheets. Sprinkle it with water and lightly score the surface. Bake as in step 3 but for 35-40 minutes, or until golden.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.