Description: A delightful and savory appetizer or light meal featuring fresh zucchini, salty feta, creamy mozzarella, and a crispy phyllo dough exterior. These cigars are surprisingly easy to make and offer a satisfying combination of textures and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for parties, snacks, or a light lunch, these zucchini cigars are a vegetarian-friendly treat that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchini, about 8-10 inches long
- 150g (5.3 oz) feta cheese, crumbled
- 100g (3.5 oz) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 package (approximately 10 sheets) brick pastry (phyllo dough), thawed
- Olive oil, for brushing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Herbs of Provence (optional), for added flavor
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini: Wash and trim the ends of the zucchini. You can either shred the zucchini using a box grater or use a food processor fitted with a shredding disc. Place the shredded zucchini in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial to prevent the cigars from becoming soggy. Don’t underestimate how much water zucchini holds! Squeeze, squeeze, squeeze!
Step 2: Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the squeezed zucchini, crumbled feta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, egg, flour, salt, pepper, and Herbs of Provence (if using). Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember that feta cheese is naturally salty, so be cautious with the salt.
Step 3: Prepare the Phyllo Dough: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper. Unroll the thawed phyllo dough on a clean, flat surface. Keep the stack of phyllo dough covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel to prevent it from drying out. Dried phyllo dough becomes brittle and difficult to work with.
Step 4: Assemble the Cigars: Take one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it lightly with olive oil. Place another sheet on top and brush it lightly with olive oil. Repeat this process with two more sheets of phyllo dough, creating a stack of four sheets. Cut the stack of phyllo dough in half lengthwise, creating two long strips.
Step 5: Fill and Roll: Place a spoonful of the zucchini-cheese mixture at one end of each phyllo strip. Fold the sides of the phyllo dough inward over the filling, then roll it up tightly like a cigar, starting from the filled end. Seal the edges with a little bit of olive oil or egg wash (beaten egg with a teaspoon of water). This will help prevent the cigars from unraveling during baking. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until all the filling is used.
Step 6: Bake the Cigars: Place the prepared zucchini cigars on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the cigars generously with olive oil. This will help them achieve a golden-brown and crispy crust.
Step 7: Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cigars are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent them from burning.
Step 8: Cool and Serve: Remove the baked zucchini cigars from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving. This allows the filling to set and the cigars to become even crispier.
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
These Crispy Feta & Mozzarella Zucchini Cigars are a winner for several reasons:
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of salty feta, creamy mozzarella, and slightly sweet zucchini creates a delicious and satisfying flavor profile. The Herbs of Provence add a subtle aromatic complexity that elevates the dish.
- Textural Delight: The crispy, flaky phyllo dough contrasts beautifully with the soft, cheesy filling, offering a delightful textural experience.
- Easy to Make: Despite their elegant appearance, these cigars are surprisingly easy to prepare. The steps are straightforward and require minimal cooking skills.
- Versatile: These cigars can be served as an appetizer, a light meal, or a snack. They are perfect for parties, gatherings, or a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This recipe is a great option for vegetarians looking for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
- Customizable: You can easily customize the filling with other ingredients, such as chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, spinach, or different types of cheese.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease: 4/5 (Easy to Moderate)
- Taste: 5/5 (Excellent)
- Presentation: 4/5 (Appealing)
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the zucchini cigars warm as an appetizer with a side of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce for dipping.
- Arrange them on a platter with a selection of olives, roasted red peppers, and other Mediterranean-inspired appetizers for a flavorful spread.
- Serve them as a light lunch with a fresh salad and a vinaigrette dressing.
- Pair them with a glass of crisp white wine or a refreshing sparkling water.
- Sprinkle the baked cigars with a little bit of flaky sea salt and freshly ground black pepper for added flavor.
Tips:
- Squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the zucchini. This is essential to prevent the cigars from becoming soggy.
- Keep the phyllo dough covered with a damp towel to prevent it from drying out.
- Brush the phyllo dough generously with olive oil to ensure a crispy and golden-brown crust.
- Don’t overfill the cigars. Too much filling can cause the phyllo dough to tear or the cigars to burst during baking.
- Seal the edges of the cigars tightly to prevent the filling from leaking out.
- Bake the cigars until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them towards the end of the baking time to prevent them from burning.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle the baked cigars with a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese or freshly chopped herbs.
- The assembled cigars can be frozen before baking. To freeze, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (approximate per serving):
- Calories: 350-400
- Protein: 15-20g
- Sodium: 500-700mg (depending on the saltiness of the feta cheese)
Conclusion:
These Crispy Feta & Mozzarella Zucchini Cigars are a delightful and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crispy phyllo dough, savory filling, and easy preparation, they are sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and get ready to enjoy these delicious and satisfying zucchini cigars!
Questions and Answers about the Recipe:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
A: Absolutely! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily substitute the feta and mozzarella with other cheeses that you enjoy. Some great options include ricotta cheese, goat cheese, Gruyere, or even a sharp cheddar. Just make sure the cheese you choose melts well and complements the flavor of the zucchini.
Q2: What if I don’t have Herbs of Provence? Can I use something else?
A: Yes, if you don’t have Herbs of Provence, you can substitute with other dried herbs such as oregano, thyme, rosemary, or a combination of these. Italian seasoning would also work well. Alternatively, you can use fresh herbs like chopped parsley, dill, or mint for a brighter flavor. Use about 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs or 1-2 tablespoons of fresh herbs.
Q3: How can I prevent the phyllo dough from tearing when I’m rolling the cigars?
A: The key is to keep the phyllo dough moist and pliable. Make sure to keep the stack of phyllo dough covered with a slightly damp kitchen towel while you’re working. Also, be gentle when separating the sheets and avoid pulling on them too hard. If a sheet tears, don’t worry! You can simply patch it up with another piece of phyllo dough. Brushing the phyllo dough with olive oil helps to keep it from drying out and tearing as well.
Q4: Can I make these cigars ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the cigars ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to prevent the phyllo dough from drying out. Alternatively, you can freeze the assembled cigars as described in the “Tips” section. This is a great option if you want to prepare them well in advance.
Q5: What if I don’t have zucchini? Can I use another vegetable?
A: While zucchini is the star of this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other vegetables. Yellow squash, eggplant (make sure to salt and drain it first), or even grated carrots would work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the vegetable you choose. Remember to squeeze out excess moisture from any vegetable you use to prevent soggy cigars.
