Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, Sigara Bouregi, also known as Turkish Cheese Cigars, is the ultimate appetizer or snack that brings a taste of Turkey to your table. This irresistible recipe features delicate yufka pastry (or phyllo dough) rolled around a creamy filling of tangy feta, smooth ricotta, and fresh parsley, with a hint of black pepper and optional dried mint for a subtle herbaceous touch. Sealed with a simple egg wash and fried to perfection, these savory pastry rolls offer a delightful crunch that gives way to a melty, cheese-filled center. Perfect for entertaining or as a comforting treat, serve these cheese cigars hot with a side of yogurt or dipping sauce for an authentic and satisfying Mediterranean experience. With just 20 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking time, these savory delights deliver gourmet flavor in minimal time.
In a mixing bowl, crumble the feta cheese and mix it with the ricotta cheese until well combined.
Add the chopped parsley, dried mint (if using), and ground black pepper to the cheese mixture. Stir until evenly distributed.
Lay out one yufka pastry sheet on a flat surface. If using large yufka sheets, cut them into triangles (approximately 8-10 inches in base width).
Place a tablespoon of the cheese mixture near the wide end of the triangular sheet.
Fold the sides of the pastry over the filling to partially enclose it, then tightly roll the pastry toward the pointed end to form a cigar shape.
Mix the egg yolk with 2 tablespoons of water to create an egg wash. Lightly brush the end of the pastry with the egg wash to seal it.
Repeat the process with the remaining pastry sheets and cheese mixture.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium heat until it reaches approximately 175°C (350°F).
Carefully fry the rolled pastries in small batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per batch).
Remove the fried pastries using a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, yogurt, or as-is. Enjoy!
Calories |
5646 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 565.4 g | 725% | |
| Saturated Fat | 107.6 g | 538% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 424 mg | 141% | |
| Sodium | 3145 mg | 137% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 140.9 g | 51% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.4 g | ||
| Protein | 62.9 g | 126% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 6% | |
| Calcium | 1470 mg | 113% | |
| Iron | 6.7 mg | 37% | |
| Potassium | 458 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.