Moroccan Cigars

Moroccan Cigars Recipe - A Flavorful Dish with Beef and Spices

Region / culture: Morocco | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Moroccan cigars are a delicious and savory appetizer that are perfect for any occasion. These crispy and flavorful pastries are filled with a spiced ground beef mixture and wrapped in delicate filo pastry. They are sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more.

History

Moroccan cigars, also known as sigara bourek, are a popular dish in Moroccan cuisine. They are believed to have originated in the Middle East and North Africa, where they are commonly served as a snack or appetizer. The name "cigars" comes from their long, thin shape, resembling a cigar.

Ingredients

1 medium onion, finely chopped
0.33 cup olive oil
15 oz (425 g) lean ground beef
2 tsp ground cinnamon
0.5 tsp ground allspice
0.25 tsp ground ginger
ground pepper
0.5 cup chopped fresh parsley
5 eggs
1 lb (454 g) filo pastry
6 oz (170 g) butter, melted

How to prepare

First, preheat the oven to 300°F (149°C).
To prepare the filling for the cigars, heat olive oil in a pan and cook the onion for 10 minutes. Then, add the beef and crush it with a fork while cooking.
Add all the seasonings and spices to the beef and continue cooking for another 10–15 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
In a small bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed. Pour the egg mixture over the meat and cook for an additional 2 minutes until it becomes creamy.
Remove the mixture from heat and allow it to cool.
Next, cut the filo pastry into rectangles and stack them with a damp cloth on top. Let them sit for a few minutes.
Brush melted butter onto each rectangle and place a small amount of the filling on one edge. Roll the pastry into a cigar shape, tucking in the edges as you go. Repeat this step for all the rectangles.
Heat the remaining oil and fry each cigar until they turn brown on all sides. Drain them and keep them warm in the oven until ready to serve.

Variations

You can customize the filling of Moroccan cigars by adding different spices such as cumin, paprika, or coriander. You can also substitute the ground beef with ground lamb or chicken for a different flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the ground beef mixture thoroughly to ensure it is fully cooked and flavorful.

- Be careful when handling the filo pastry, as it can be delicate and tear easily. Keep a damp cloth over the pastry to prevent it from drying out.

- Fry the cigars in batches to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy on all sides.

Serving Suggestions

Moroccan cigars can be served with a side of tzatziki sauce or a simple salad for a complete meal. They are also delicious on their own as a snack or appetizer.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the cigars in oil gives them a crispy and golden brown exterior, while baking them in the oven can result in a lighter and healthier version.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with lentils or chickpeas for a meat-free version of Moroccan cigars. You can also use phyllo dough instead of filo pastry for a slightly different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the filling for Moroccan cigars ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also assemble the cigars and freeze them before frying for a quick and easy appetizer.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Moroccan cigars on a platter with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a drizzle of tahini sauce for a beautiful and appetizing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Moroccan cigars pair well with a glass of red wine or a refreshing mint tea. They also go well with other Middle Eastern dishes such as hummus, falafel, or tabbouleh.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Moroccan cigars can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Moroccan cigars contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Moroccan cigars contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Moroccan cigars contains approximately 25 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Moroccan cigars contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Moroccan cigars are a good source of iron, vitamin B12, and zinc.

Alergens

Moroccan cigars contain wheat (filo pastry) and eggs.

Summary

Moroccan cigars are a delicious and satisfying appetizer that is rich in proteins and fats. They are a great source of iron and vitamin B12, making them a nutritious choice for a snack or meal.

Summary

Moroccan cigars are a delicious and flavorful appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With a spiced ground beef filling wrapped in crispy filo pastry, these savory pastries are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Moroccan Cigars. It was many years ago when I was a young girl visiting my aunt in Morocco. My aunt was a fantastic cook and always seemed to have a never-ending supply of delicious recipes up her sleeve.

On this particular day, she was busy in the kitchen rolling out thin sheets of dough and filling them with a fragrant mixture of ground lamb, spices, and herbs. I watched in awe as she expertly rolled the dough into cigar shapes and fried them until they were golden and crispy.

I begged my aunt to teach me how to make these delightful treats, and she was more than happy to pass on her knowledge. She showed me how to season the lamb, mix it with onions, garlic, and a blend of spices, and then fill the dough with the savory mixture.

As I stood by her side, carefully folding the dough and rolling it into cigars, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and excitement. This was my first foray into the world of Moroccan cuisine, and I was eager to learn as much as I could.

After the cigars were fried to perfection, my aunt sprinkled them with a generous amount of sesame seeds and served them alongside a tangy dipping sauce made from tomatoes, peppers, and a hint of lemon juice. The combination of flavors was absolutely divine, and I knew that I had to recreate this dish back home.

When I returned from my trip to Morocco, I set out to perfect my own version of Moroccan Cigars. I experimented with different spices and fillings, trying to capture the essence of the dish that had captivated me so deeply.

I reached out to friends and relatives who had also visited Morocco, asking for their tips and tricks on how to make the perfect cigars. Each person had their own unique twist on the recipe, and I eagerly incorporated their suggestions into my own version.

Over the years, I continued to refine my recipe for Moroccan Cigars, making them for family gatherings, potlucks, and any occasion that called for a special treat. The aroma of the spices and herbs as they cooked filled my kitchen with warmth and nostalgia, transporting me back to that moment in my aunt's kitchen all those years ago.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will cherish it as much as I have. May the flavors of Morocco bring you joy and comfort, and may this recipe become a cherished tradition in your own kitchen for generations to come.

I have learned so much from the art of cooking, and each recipe I have collected along the way holds a special place in my heart. But there is something truly magical about the story behind the Moroccan Cigars – the memory of my aunt's skilled hands shaping the dough, the laughter shared over a delicious meal, and the bond that food creates between loved ones.

So go forth, my dear grandchild, and create your own memories with this recipe. Let the flavors of Morocco transport you to a far-off land, and may the joy of cooking bring you closer to those you hold dear. Bon appétit!