OMG, you’ve got to try making these crispy boreks with feta and parsley! They’re seriously addictive, and once you dip them in some yogurt, you’ll never want to stop snacking.
I love crafting Cigarette Borek, a delightful appetizer that combines crispy yufka sheets with a savory filling of crumbled feta and fresh parsley, perfectly seasoned with salt and pepper. Fry them golden using vegetable oil for a delectable bite.
It’s a delicious addition rich in calcium and flavor, especially when dipped in olive oil or melted butter.
Cigarette Borek Recipe Ingredients
- Yufka (or Phyllo Dough): Light and flaky, the perfect wrap for a crisp texture.
- Feta Cheese: Rich in calcium and protein, adds a tangy creaminess.
- Parsley: Fresh and aromatic, provides a burst of earthy flavor.
- Olive Oil (or Butter): Adds depth and richness, essential for golden frying.
- Egg Yolk (Optional): Binds ingredients, adds a glossy finish.
Cigarette Borek Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 3 sheets of yufka (or substitute with phyllo dough)
- 200g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg yolk (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make this Cigarette Borek Recipe
1. Prepare your workspace by laying out a clean countertop and organize your ingredients for easy access.
2. In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.
3. Take one sheet of yufka or phyllo dough and lay it flat on the countertop. If using phyllo dough, you may need to use multiple stacked sheets to reach the desired thickness.
4. Cut the yufka sheet into long triangular strips, roughly 10-12 inches in length.
5. Place a small spoonful of the cheese mixture at the wider end of each triangle, leaving room for folding.
6. Starting from the wide end, roll the dough tightly over the filling towards the pointed end. Wet the tip of the triangle with a little water or the optional egg yolk to seal it securely.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling until all the ingredients are used.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
9. Carefully place the boreks into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
10. Remove the boreks with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with a side of yogurt or as desired.
Cigarette Borek Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Clean countertop
2. Mixing bowl
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Slotted spoon
7. Deep pan
8. Thermometer (for measuring oil temperature)
9. Plate
10. Paper towels
FAQ
- What is yufka and can I substitute it with something else? Yufka is a thin, round Turkish flatbread used in various dishes. You can substitute yufka with phyllo dough if it’s not available.
- Can I bake the cigarette borek instead of frying? Yes, you can bake them at 180°C (356°F) until golden brown. Brush them with olive oil or butter before baking for a crispy texture.
- Is the egg yolk necessary? The egg yolk is optional. It adds richness and helps the borek to brown nicely if baking, but you can skip it if you wish.
- What type of feta cheese should I use? You can use any type of feta cheese, but Greek-style feta tends to work best due to its crumbly texture and rich flavor.
- Can I make the filling ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the cheese and parsley filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- How do I prevent the borek from unrolling when frying? Roll the borek tightly, and you can seal the edge with a little water or a beaten egg yolk for better adhesion.
Cigarette Borek Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Yufka/phyllo dough: Substitute with spring roll wrappers or lavash bread.
- Feta cheese: Substitute with ricotta cheese or goat cheese for a different flavor.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Substitute with fresh dill or mint for an alternative herb flavor.
- Olive oil/melted butter: Substitute with avocado oil or coconut oil for a different taste or health benefit.
- Vegetable oil: Substitute with sunflower oil or canola oil for frying.
Pro Tips
1. Keep the Dough Moist: If using phyllo dough, cover the sheets you’re not working with using a slightly damp towel to prevent them from drying out. This keeps the dough pliable and easier to work with.
2. Use Quality Feta: Opt for a good quality, full-fat feta cheese for the filling. Its creaminess and flavor will enhance the overall taste of the boreks.
3. Uniform Frying: When frying, ensure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the boreks in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve an even golden brown crust.
4. Flavor Infusion: For a deeper, richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
5. Oil Temperature Check: Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature, maintaining it around 350°F (175°C). This ensures crispy boreks without them becoming greasy or soggy.
Cigarette Borek Recipe
My favorite Cigarette Borek Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Clean countertop
2. Mixing bowl
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Slotted spoon
7. Deep pan
8. Thermometer (for measuring oil temperature)
9. Plate
10. Paper towels
Ingredients:
- 3 sheets of yufka (or substitute with phyllo dough)
- 200g feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 egg yolk (optional)
- 1/4 cup olive oil or melted butter
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare your workspace by laying out a clean countertop and organize your ingredients for easy access.
2. In a bowl, combine the crumbled feta cheese, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well to incorporate the flavors.
3. Take one sheet of yufka or phyllo dough and lay it flat on the countertop. If using phyllo dough, you may need to use multiple stacked sheets to reach the desired thickness.
4. Cut the yufka sheet into long triangular strips, roughly 10-12 inches in length.
5. Place a small spoonful of the cheese mixture at the wider end of each triangle, leaving room for folding.
6. Starting from the wide end, roll the dough tightly over the filling towards the pointed end. Wet the tip of the triangle with a little water or the optional egg yolk to seal it securely.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling until all the ingredients are used.
8. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
9. Carefully place the boreks into the hot oil, a few at a time, and fry them until they are golden brown and crispy, which typically takes about 3-4 minutes.
10. Remove the boreks with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve warm with a side of yogurt or as desired.
