Description
Discover the authentic flavors of Turkish cuisine with these crispy and savory Turkish Cigars, also known as Sigara Böreği. Delicately rolled phyllo dough filled with a creamy blend of feta and ricotta cheeses, enhanced with fresh parsley and seasoned with black pepper. Perfect as a delightful appetizer or party snack, fried to golden perfection for a satisfyingly crunchy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Wrapper
- 6 sheets of phyllo dough
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (for sealing)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, thoroughly combine the crumbled feta cheese, ricotta cheese, chopped fresh parsley, and ground black pepper until well blended and consistent in texture.
- Cut the phyllo dough: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough flat on a clean surface. Cut it lengthwise into 3 equal strips. Cover the remaining phyllo sheets with a damp cloth to keep them moist and prevent drying out.
- Fill and roll the cigars: Place about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture near the bottom edge of a phyllo strip. Fold the sides of the strip slightly inward and roll it tightly from the bottom into a cigar shape. Brush the top edge with the beaten egg to seal the roll securely.
- Repeat the process: Continue filling, folding, and rolling the remaining strips of phyllo dough with the cheese mixture, sealing each with beaten egg to prevent unrolling during frying.
- Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking, suitable for frying.
- Fry the cigars: Carefully place the rolled cigars in the hot oil in batches, turning occasionally to ensure even frying. Cook for approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain and serve: Remove the fried cigars from the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm to enjoy their crispiness and full flavor.
Notes
- You can bake these instead of frying by brushing them lightly with oil and baking at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy.
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh mint or dill to the cheese filling.
- Handle phyllo dough gently and keep covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying and cracking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cigar
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
