Sigara Boregi – Turkish Cheese Rolls Recipe

Introduction

Sigara Boregi, also known as Turkish cheese rolls, are delightful crispy pastries filled with a savory blend of cheeses and herbs. Perfect as an appetizer or snack, these golden rolls offer a satisfying crunch and a flavorful, cheesy center.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, grated mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Mix well and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cut each phyllo sheet lengthwise into 4 equal strips. Keep the remaining strips covered with a tea towel to prevent drying.
3. Step 3: Place one strip in front of you. Put about 1 tablespoon of the cheese mixture on one end of the strip.
4. Step 4: Fold the two long edges of the strip slightly inward to enclose the filling.
5. Step 5: Roll the strip tightly toward the opposite end.
6. Step 6: Brush a little water on the tip to seal the roll. Place it on a plate and cover with a towel. Repeat with the remaining strips.
7. Step 7: Heat the oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
8. Step 8: Fry the rolls in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden and crispy on all sides.
9. Step 9: Remove the rolls and drain them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, add a pinch of black pepper or a small amount of finely chopped mint to the cheese filling.
• If you prefer baking to frying, brush the rolls with olive oil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes until golden.
• Use fresh phyllo sheets for best results, and always keep unused strips covered to prevent them from drying out and cracking.

Storage

Store any leftover Sigara Boregi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and roll the boregi ahead, keep them covered in the refrigerator, and fry them just before serving to maintain crispness.

What type of cheese can I use if I don’t have feta or mozzarella?

You can substitute with other firm cheeses like ricotta, goat cheese, or a mild white cheese. Mixing different cheeses can provide a nice balance of flavor and melt.

Sigara Boregi – Turkish Cheese Rolls Recipe

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4.9 from 131 reviews

Sigara Boregi, also known as Turkish Cheese Rolls, are crispy and delicious pastries made by rolling a savory cheese and parsley filling inside thin, flaky phyllo sheets, then frying them to a golden perfection. These bite-sized rolls make a perfect appetizer or snack that is both satisfying and flavorful.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 32 rolls 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Turkish
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (grated)
• ¼ cup parsley (chopped)

Pastry

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

For Frying

• ½ cup oil (for frying the boreks)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine crumbled feta cheese, grated mozzarella, and chopped parsley. Mix well and set aside to use as the filling for the rolls.
2. Cut the Phyllo Sheets: Cut each phyllo sheet lengthwise into 4 equal strips. Keep the unused strips covered with a tea towel to prevent them from drying out while working with one strip at a time.
3. Add the Filling: Place one strip of phyllo in front of you. Spoon approximately 1 tablespoon of the cheese and parsley filling onto one end of the strip.
4. Fold the Edges: Fold the two long edges of the phyllo strip slightly inward to enclose the filling and prevent it from oozing out during frying.
5. Roll the Strip: Roll the strip tightly toward the other end, forming a cigarette-like shape. Brush a little water on the tip of the strip to seal the roll securely.
6. Repeat the Process: Place the sealed roll on a plate and cover with a towel. Repeat this process with the remaining strips and filling, always covering unused strips with a towel to keep them pliable.
7. Heat the Oil: Heat ½ cup of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until the oil is hot enough for frying.
8. Fry the Sigara Boregi: Carefully place the rolls in the hot oil in batches. Fry them, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
9. Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried rolls onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
10. Serve: Serve the Sigara Boregi warm or at room temperature as a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Keep the unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out while working.
• Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or sunflower oil, for frying.
• You can adjust the cheese filling to your taste by adding herbs or spices like dill or black pepper.
• Frying in small batches helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking.
• Leftover rolls can be reheated in an oven to retain their crispiness.

Keywords: Sigara Boregi, Turkish Cheese Rolls, Phyllo pastry, Fried cheese rolls, Turkish appetizer