Sigara Boregi (Turkish Cheese Rolls) Recipe
Sigara Boregi are crispy and golden Turkish cheese rolls made by wrapping a savory mixture of feta, mozzarella, and parsley in phyllo pastry and frying until perfectly crunchy. These delightful appetizers are quick to prepare and make a delicious snack or party finger food.
- Author: Tim
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 32 rolls 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Turkish
Filling
- 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1 cup mozzarella (grated)
- ¼ cup parsley (chopped)
Pastry
- 8 pieces phyllo sheets (filo pastry)
- 1 tbsp water (to brush the phyllo sheets)
For Frying
- Prepare the filling: In a bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, grated mozzarella, and chopped parsley until well mixed. Set this filling aside.
- Cut phyllo sheets: Take each phyllo sheet and cut it lengthwise into 4 equal strips. Keep the remaining strips covered with a damp tea towel to prevent them from drying out.
- Fill the strips: Place one strip in front of you, then put about 1 tablespoon of the cheese and parsley filling at one end of the strip.
- Fold edges: Fold the two long edges of the phyllo strip slightly inward to encase the filling securely.
- Roll the borek: Roll the strip tightly toward the opposite end to form a cigar-shaped roll.
- Seal the edge: Brush a little water on the tip of the strip to seal the roll, then place the finished roll on a plate and cover it with a towel to keep it from drying out.
- Repeat: Repeat the filling and rolling process with all remaining strips, always keeping unused strips covered to maintain freshness.
- Heat the oil: Heat ½ cup of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until hot enough for frying.
- Fry the rolls: Fry the cheese rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until all sides are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried boreks from the pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the Sigara Boregi warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel while working to prevent them from drying and cracking.
- Use a neutral oil with high smoke point like vegetable or sunflower oil for frying.
- These rolls can be kept warm in a low oven while frying the rest.
- For a crispier texture, fry in small batches and do not overcrowd the pan.
- Can be served with a side of yogurt or a fresh salad for a complete appetizer experience.
Keywords: Sigara Boregi, Turkish cheese rolls, fried phyllo pastry, appetizer, snack, Turkish cuisine