Sigara Börek – Turkish Cheese Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Sigara Boregi, or Turkish cheese rolls, are crispy, golden pastries filled with a savory blend of feta and mozzarella cheese. These delightful finger foods are perfect as snacks or appetizers and are surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup mozzarella, grated
• ¼ cup parsley, chopped
• 8 pieces phyllo sheets (filo pastry)
• 1 tablespoon water (to brush the phyllo sheets)
• ½ cup oil (for frying the boreks)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, grated mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Set this filling mixture aside.
2. Step 2: Cut each phyllo sheet lengthwise into 4 equal strips. Keep the unused strips covered with a tea towel to prevent drying out.
3. Step 3: Place one strip in front of you. Put about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling at one end of the strip.
4. Step 4: Fold the two long edges slightly inward to cover the filling, then roll the strip tightly toward the other end.
5. Step 5: Brush a little water onto the tip of the strip to seal the roll, then place it on a plate. Cover with a towel to keep moist.
6. Step 6: Repeat the process with remaining strips, always keeping unused strips covered to avoid drying.
7. Step 7: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until hot. Fry the rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crispy.
8. Step 8: Transfer the fried rolls onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Cover phyllo dough sheets with a kitchen towel after removing them from the package to prevent drying, which is crucial for easy rolling.
• Do not overfill the rolls to avoid cheese oozing and hot oil splatters during frying.
• Fry in batches without overcrowding the pan to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure crispy rolls.
• For a simple dipping sauce, mix Greek yogurt with a pinch of salt, red pepper flakes, and dried mint.
• You can substitute parsley with fresh dill or mint for a different flavor.

Storage

Store leftover sigara boregi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the rolls soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake Sigara Boregi instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until golden and crispy. Brush them lightly with oil before baking to help achieve a crispy texture.

What if I don’t have phyllo sheets?

Phyllo sheets are recommended for the authentic flaky texture, but you can use spring roll wrappers as an alternative. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Sigara Börek – Turkish Cheese Rolls Recipe

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Sigara Boregi, also known as Turkish Cheese Rolls, are deliciously crispy and golden fried rolls filled with a savory mixture of feta and mozzarella cheeses combined with fresh parsley. These delightful snacks are wrapped in delicate phyllo dough, fried to perfection, and perfect for serving warm or at room temperature as an appetizer or snack.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Turkish
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 cup mozzarella, grated
• ¼ cup parsley, chopped

Pastry

• 8 pieces phyllo sheets (filo pastry)
• 1 tablespoon water (to brush the phyllo sheets)

For Frying

• ½ cup oil

Instructions

1. Prepare the filling: In a medium bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, grated mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Mix well and set aside.
2. Cut the phyllo sheets: Lay out each phyllo sheet and cut lengthwise into 4 equal strips. Keep the remaining strips covered with a tea towel so they don’t dry out.
3. Fill the phyllo strips: Place one strip in front of you. Put about 1 tablespoon of the cheese filling at one end of the strip. Fold the two long edges slightly inward to cover the filling, then roll the strip tightly towards the other end.
4. Seal the rolls: Brush a little water on the tip of the rolled strip to seal it and place it on a plate. Cover the prepared rolls with a towel to keep them moist. Repeat with remaining strips.
5. Heat the oil: In a frying pan over medium-high heat, heat ½ cup of oil until hot and ready for frying.
6. Fry the rolls: Fry the rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan for an even fry.
7. Drain excess oil: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried rolls to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve: Serve the Sigara Boregi warm or at room temperature. Optionally, prepare a yogurt dipping sauce by mixing Greek yogurt with salt, red pepper flakes, and dried mint for an authentic side.

Notes

• Always cover phyllo dough sheets with a kitchen towel when not in use to prevent them from drying out.
• Secure the filling well to prevent cheese from oozing out during frying.
• Don’t overfill the rolls to avoid spillage and oil splattering.
• Be cautious of hot oil splatters if cheese oozes out while frying.
• Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
• For a simple dipping sauce, mix Greek yogurt with a pinch of salt, red pepper flakes, and dried mint.

Keywords: Sigara Boregi, Turkish Cheese Rolls, phyllo pastry, fried cheese rolls, appetizer, snack, Turkish cuisine