Sigara Böreği
Crispy cigar-shaped pastries filled with a savory mixture of feta cheese and herbs. These popular appetizers feature phyllo dough wrapped around a filling and fried to golden perfection, perfect for serving with yogurt dip.
Ingredients
- 10 sheets phyllo dough sheets, thawed
- 8 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (for serving)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill (for yogurt dip), chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for yogurt dip)
- 1 clove garlic clove (for yogurt dip), minced
Instructions
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1
Prepare the filling by mixing 8 oz crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint, and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
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2
Prepare the yogurt dip by combining 1 cup Greek yogurt (for serving), 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (for yogurt dip), 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for yogurt dip), and 1 clove minced garlic clove (for yogurt dip) in a small bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
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3
Unwrap the 10 sheets thawed phyllo dough sheets and keep it covered with a damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out while working.
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4
Take one sheet of phyllo and cut it into 4 equal rectangular strips (approximately 3.5 × 12 inches each).
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5
Place about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling near the short end of each strip, leaving a small border.
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6
Fold the sides of the phyllo strip inward slightly to enclose the filling, then roll up from the short end, creating a cigar shape.
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7
As you reach the end of the strip, brush the edge with 1 beaten large egg to seal the börek.
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8
Repeat with the remaining phyllo sheets and filling, keeping the prepared börek covered with a clean kitchen towel.
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9
Heat the 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying) in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
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10
Fry the börek in batches, about 4-6 at a time, turning occasionally until they're golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes total.
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11
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried börek to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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12
Serve hot with the prepared yogurt dip.