Turkish Sigara Borek is a delicious and popular pastry dish that originates from Turkey. It is a savory snack that is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a quick breakfast or a party appetizer. This dish is made with layers of phyllo pastry, filled with a mixture of cheese, herbs, and spices, and then rolled into a cigar-like shape before being baked to golden perfection. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of making this flaky, crispy, and flavorful Turkish treat that is sure to impress your taste buds.
Turkish Sigara Borek, also known as "cigarette borek", is a popular Turkish appetizer made with crispy phyllo dough and a savory filling. This recipe is a twist on the traditional version, using minced elk meat instead of the usual cheese or vegetable filling. The result is a flavorful and unique dish that is sure to impress your guests.
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Turkish Sigara Borek with Minced Elk
Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Ground Elk, Yellow Onion, Raisins, Almond
For this recipe, you will need minced elk meat, phyllo dough, onion, garlic, parsley, and a variety of spices such as cumin, paprika, and black pepper. The meat is cooked with the spices and then mixed with the chopped onions, garlic, and parsley to create a flavorful filling.
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Turkish Borek (Sigara Borek)
Main Ingredients: Yufka Dough, Olive Oil, Small Onion, Spinach, White
To assemble the borek, the phyllo dough is brushed with melted butter and then layered with the filling. The dough is then rolled tightly into a cigar shape and fried until golden and crispy. The end result is a delicious blend of crispy, flaky dough and savory, spiced meat.
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Turkish Halloumi and Mint Rolls (Sigara Borek)
Main Ingredients: Filo, Cheese, Mint Leaves, Egg, Sunflower Oil, Ground
If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the elk meat with halloumi cheese and fresh mint leaves for a lighter and refreshing twist on the classic recipe. The salty and creamy halloumi pairs perfectly with the fresh mint, creating a delicious flavor combination.
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Sigara börek.. (Fried Pastry with feta cheese)
Main Ingredients: Phyllo Dough, Feta Cheese, Dill, Oil
Another variation of the traditional sigara borek is to use feta cheese as the filling. The tangy and salty cheese adds a unique flavor to the dish and pairs well with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping.
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Sigara Boregi (Turkish Cigar Pastry)
Main Ingredients: Phyllo Dough, Feta Cheese, Parsley, Egg, Olive Oil
Originating from the Ottoman Empire, sigara boregi is a popular Turkish street food that has now spread to many other countries. It is often served as an appetizer or meze, but can also be enjoyed as a snack or light meal.
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Turkish Cigarette Börek (Sigara Böreği) with Roasted...
Main Ingredients: Phyllo Dough, Canola Oil, Garlic, Baby Spinach, Dried
A unique twist on the traditional recipe is to add roasted red peppers to the filling. The smoky and slightly sweet peppers add depth and flavor to the dish, making it a standout appetizer at any gathering.
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Cherry Turkish Taffy
Main Ingredients: Egg White, Sugar, Water, Cornstarch, Cherry Jam, Butter
No meal is complete without a sweet treat, and this cherry Turkish taffy is the perfect ending to a Turkish-inspired meal. Made with only a few simple ingredients, this chewy and fruity confection is a delicious way to end your meal.
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Greek Yogurt Turkish Flatbread (Bazlama)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Greek Style Yogurt
Bazlama is a traditional Turkish flatbread that is made with Greek yogurt, giving it a soft and tender texture. It is often served alongside main dishes, used as a wrap for sandwiches, or enjoyed on its own with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs.
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Sigara Böreği
Main Ingredients: Yufka, Feta Cheese, Parsley, Water, Sunflower Oil
While there are many variations of sigara borek, the classic version is made with a simple cheese filling, usually a combination of feta and mozzarella. The cheese is mixed with parsley and black pepper for a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Menemen (Turkish Egg Scramble)
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, White Onion, Large Green Bell Pepper, Diced
Menemen is a popular breakfast dish in Turkey, made with scrambled eggs, tomatoes, and peppers. It is a simple yet flavorful dish that is often served with fresh bread for dipping. Add a sprinkle of feta cheese on top for an extra burst of flavor.
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Turkish Cacik
Main Ingredients: Plain Yogurt, Cucumbers, Chopped Walnuts, Fresh Dill
Cacik is a refreshing and tangy yogurt-based dip that is often served as a side with Turkish dishes. Made with cucumbers, garlic, and fresh herbs, it is the perfect accompaniment to spicy or rich dishes.
Gozleme is a traditional Turkish flatbread filled with a variety of savory fillings. In this recipe, minced lamb is used, along with a blend of spices and herbs, to create a delicious and satisfying meal. Serve with a side of yogurt sauce for dipping.
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Turkish Bread
Main Ingredients: Instant Yeast, Caster Sugar, Warm Water, All Purpose
Bread is a staple in Turkish cuisine, and there are many variations that are enjoyed throughout the country. From pide, a flatbread filled with toppings, to simit, a circular bread covered in sesame seeds, there is a type of bread for every occasion.
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Turkish Kunefe (Künefe)
Main Ingredients: Sugar, Water, Shredded Phyllo Dough, Cheese, Butter
Kunefe is a popular Turkish dessert made with shredded phyllo dough, cheese, and a sweet syrup. The cheese is sandwiched between layers of crispy dough, creating a delicious contrast of textures. It is best served warm and topped with crushed pistachios.
Also known as "menemen", Turkish eggs are a simple and satisfying breakfast dish made with eggs, tomatoes, and peppers. It is a great way to start your day and can be customized with additional toppings such as cheese or herbs.
This hearty and flavorful dish is made with potatoes, chickpeas, and a variety of spices. It can be enjoyed as a vegetarian main dish or served as a side with your favorite protein. The addition of spices, such as cumin and paprika, gives this dish a unique Turkish twist.
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Turkish Lentil Balls (Mercimek Köfte)
Main Ingredients: Red Lentils, Water, Bulgur, Olive Oil, Pepper, Salt
Mercimek köfte are flavorful and protein-packed lentil balls that are often enjoyed as a side dish or appetizer in Turkey. They are made with red lentils, bulgur, and a blend of spices, and are best served with a side of yogurt sauce.
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Turkish Flat Bread (Bazlama)
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Dried Yeast, Sugar, Greek Style Yogurt
Similar to pita bread, bazlama is a soft and fluffy flatbread that is often served with main dishes or used to make sandwiches. It is made with simple ingredients such as flour, water, and yeast, and is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
No Turkish meal is complete without a serving of traditional Turkish delight. Made with sugar, cornstarch, and flavored with rosewater, this sweet and chewy treat is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Ingredients You Will Need
Phyllo Pastry
To start off, you will need phyllo pastry sheets, which can be found in the frozen section of most grocery stores. Make sure to thaw the pastry sheets according to package instructions before using them in this recipe. Phyllo pastry is thin and delicate, so handle it carefully to avoid tearing.
Filling
The filling for Turkish Sigara Borek is a combination of feta cheese, parsley, and dill, along with some black pepper for extra flavor. You can also add in chopped walnuts or spinach for a twist on the traditional recipe. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and set it aside while you prepare the phyllo pastry.
Egg Wash
An important step in making the perfect Turkish Sigara Borek is brushing the rolls with egg wash. This will give the pastry a shiny and golden crust as it bakes in the oven. To make the egg wash, simply beat an egg in a small bowl and set it aside.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees F. This will ensure that your Turkish Sigara Borek bakes evenly and turns out crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Pastry Sheets
Lay out a sheet of phyllo pastry on a flat surface and brush it with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush it with butter as well. Repeat this process until you have 6 layers of pastry sheets.
Step 3: Add the Filling
Spread the filling mixture along the bottom edge of the pastry sheets, leaving a 1-inch border on each side. Fold in the sides and then roll the pastry tightly to form a cigar shape. Brush the edge with egg wash to seal it.
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Place the prepared Turkish Sigara Borek on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush the top with egg wash. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy Your Turkish Sigara Borek
Now that you know how to make this delicious and authentic Turkish dish, you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Serve the Sigara Borek with a side of yogurt dip or fresh salad for a complete meal. Trust us, one bite of these crispy, flaky, and flavorful pastry rolls and you'll be craving for more.