The Turks love their yogurt and it is virtually unthinkable of consuming spinach dishes without this calcium-rich side. But for years there has been a myth floating about that spinach should not be consumed with yogurt because it hinders the absorption of calcium. But as the title suggests, it is just a myth! Spinach, besides being high in calcium, also contains a high level of oxalic acid, and as these two bind to each other, the body cannot process the calcium it provides. So, pairing spinach with another high-calcium food such as yogurt actually helps the body absorb more of the mineral. However, yogurt may inhibit the absorption of iron, hence why Turks try to cook spinach with tomatoes, which is full of vitamin C, a known iron facilitator.

With that out of the way, let’s dive in on how to prep this green delight.

Spinach börek

A truly Turkish classic is börek (a type of layered savory pastry) with spinach. And what better way is there to fill an empty stomach than with some creamy spinach börek rich in vitamin K and magnesium, helping you to relieve headaches, fatigue and even stress.

Ingredients