Sigara Boregi – Turkish Cheese Rolls Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Heat the Oil: Heat ½ cup of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until the oil is hot enough for frying.
- 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.
- Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried rolls onto a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- 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
