Cigara Borek

Cigara Börek - Crispy Delights with Cheese and Parsley

A dish that will take you on the wings of culinary memories from a world full of flavors and traditions, cigara börek is a delight you won't forget anytime soon. This recipe, inspired by rich Turkish pastry, combines the crispy texture of phyllo dough with a savory filling of cheese and parsley. It is perfect both as a snack and as an appetizer for a festive meal. Let’s begin our culinary journey!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Frying time: 10 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Necessary ingredients:
- 250 g cheese (ideally Turkish cheese, but you can also opt for feta or mozzarella)
- 1 egg (for better binding of the ingredients and an extra flavor)
- 1/2 bunch of fresh parsley (finely chopped)
- Yufka sheets (or phyllo dough if yufka is not available)
- 50 ml sparkling water (to help achieve a lighter filling)
- Oil for frying (about 500 ml, depending on the size of the pan)

The history of cigara börek is fascinating, with deep roots in the culinary culture of the Near East. This dish has become popular due to its versatility, being able to be filled with various ingredients, from meat to vegetables, but cheese remains a favorite for many. People enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack during the day, and it always manages to bring smiles to the faces of those who taste it.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preparing the filling: In a large bowl, crumble the cheese with a fork until you achieve a grainy consistency. Add the beaten egg and the finely chopped parsley. Mix the ingredients well until they are homogeneous. If you are using salty cheese, you can adjust the amount of added salt.

2. Adding the sparkling water: At this point, add sparkling water to make the filling a little lighter. This will help create a fine texture and facilitate the rolling of the sheets, while also providing extra moisture.

3. Preparing the sheets: Take a sheet of yufka or phyllo dough and place it on a clean surface. If using phyllo sheets, it is recommended to cover them with a damp towel to prevent them from drying out.

4. Filling and rolling: Place a tablespoon of the cheese filling at the edge of the sheet, then gently roll it up, forming a cylinder. Make sure to seal the ends, using a little water to stick the edges together. Continue this process with all the sheets and filling.

5. Frying: In a deep pan, heat the oil. Once the oil is well heated (about 180 degrees Celsius), add the börek rolls, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them until they become golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes on each side.

6. Removing from the pan: Use a spatula to remove the cigara börek from the pan and place it on a plate covered with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

7. Serving: You can serve cigara börek warm, alongside Greek yogurt or a fresh salad for a refreshing contrast. It is also delicious with a garlic yogurt sauce, which adds an extra note of flavor.

Practical tips:
- If you want a healthier version, you can bake the rolls in the oven at 200 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes, until they become golden and crispy.
- Instead of parsley, you can experiment with dill or spinach, to add a different note to the dish.
- Make sure the oil is very well heated before adding the rolls, to prevent excessive oil absorption and achieve a perfectly crispy crust.

Nutritional:
Cigara börek is rich in protein due to the cheese and egg, providing a good source of calcium. Although it is a delicious snack, it is important to consume it in moderation due to the oil content, especially if fried. A serving has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with feta, mozzarella, or cottage cheese, but make sure they are not too wet.

2. How can I store cigara börek for the next day?
To maintain crispiness, it is recommended to keep them in an open container at room temperature. You can reheat them in the oven to restore their crispy texture.

3. What are the best drinks to pair with it?
Cigara börek pairs wonderfully with Turkish tea or a refreshing yogurt drink. You can also try a dry white wine, which will perfectly complement the flavors.

I hope this cigara börek recipe brings a ray of sunshine into your kitchen! You will surely fall in love with the combination of textures and flavors. Don’t forget to keep your own variations and share your culinary experiences with loved ones. Enjoy!