Katık Böreği

A Tray Pastry Unique to Vezirköprü

Katık Böreği is a traditional oven-baked pastry unique to the Vezirköprü district of Samsun, made with a local cheese known as "katık". Alongside staples such as dried beans, chickpeas, corn and bulgur, pastries hold an important place in the district's cuisine, and katık böreği stands out as one of its most distinctive examples.

Ingredients and Preparation

The filling combines katık cheese, coarsely ground corn (yarma) and fresh dill. This mixture is layered between sheets of phyllo dough and baked in a large tray. The slightly coarse texture from the ground corn, the salty-tangy flavour of the cheese, and the freshness of the dill are what set this pastry apart from other classic cheese börek varieties.

Its Place in Vezirköprü Cuisine

Katık böreği is served both as part of everyday meals and frequently when hosting guests in Vezirköprü. Bringing together ingredients specific to the region, this pastry is a concrete example of how the district's agricultural traditions are reflected in its cuisine.