Description
Turkish Cigars are crispy, savory appetizers filled with a delicious mixture of feta cheese, ricotta or cream cheese, and fresh herbs, wrapped in delicate phyllo pastry and fried to golden perfection. These flavorful snacks are a popular Turkish dish, perfect for entertaining or enjoying as a snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Phyllo Pastry:
- 12 sheets phyllo pastry
Filling:
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta or cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Others:
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil (for brushing)
- vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine feta cheese, ricotta or cream cheese, parsley, and black pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Assemble the Cigars: Lay one sheet of phyllo on a clean surface, cut into 3 strips, brush with butter or oil. Place filling near the bottom, fold, and roll up tightly like a cigar. Seal the end with more butter or water. Repeat with remaining phyllo and filling.
- Fry the Cigars: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Fry the cigars in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Serve warm as an appetizer or snack.
Notes
- These can be baked instead of fried—just brush with oil and bake at 375°F for 18–20 minutes until golden.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or chopped mint to the filling for variation.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Turkish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cigar
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
