Creamy Leek And Cheese Phyllo Cigars Recipes

CREAMY LEEK AND CHEESE PHYLLO CIGARS

Steps:

• For the filling: Melt the butter in a medium saute pan over medium heat. Add the leeks and saute until wilted and very soft, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant, about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper, and then transfer to a medium bowl.
• Stir in the soft cheese until it melts and the mixture becomes creamy. Stir in the Parmesan and parsley. Season with red pepper flakes if using. Set aside (you can scoop the filling later or pipe it by transferring the filling to a disposable piping bag with 1/2-inch opening cut from the tip).
• For the cigars: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
• Open the phyllo dough and unfurl it. With one of the shorter sides facing you, cut the dough in half lengthwise (you're aiming for rectangles about 7-by-18-inches long, but exact size may vary based on brand of dough). Cover the dough with a lightly damp clean kitchen towel so it doesn't dry out while you assemble the cigars.
• Make a cigar by placing one sheet of cut phyllo on your work surface with one of the shorter sides facing you. Brush the dough all over (but lightly) with the melted butter and top with another piece of dough. Continue this process until you've layered three pieces of dough. Brush the surface of the final piece with butter, too.
• Scoop (or pipe) about 1 tablespoon of filling in a line on top of the dough on the side closest to you. Fold the outside pieces of dough inward, and then roll up the dough around the filling to make a cigar shape (a lot like rolling a burrito).
• Transfer the cigar to the prepared baking sheet, and then repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Brush any of the remaining melted butter over the assembled cigars and sprinkle smoked paprika over each one.
• Bake the cigars until golden and crisp, 17 to 22 minutes. Cool at least 5 minutes before serving warm.

CRISPY LEEK, SPINACH & FETA FILO ROLLS

Steps:

• In a small skillet, cook the onions and the leek in the olive oil until soft and golden brown. Remove from the heat, place in a bowl and let them cool.
• Place the spinach in a colander, sprinkle with some salt and let it sit for 20 minutes. Squeeze the spinach between the palms of your hands to drain the water. Put the spinach in a bowl along with the Feta cheese, cream cheese, dill, ground pepper, and egg. Mix well and set aside. The mixture can be prepared one day ahead.
• Pre-heat the oven to 375°F.
• Unwrap the filo and place it on a work surface with the long side nearest to you. Take one sheet of filo, brush it with some of the olive oil. Top it with a second sheet. Brush this second sheet of filo with olive oil as well. Repeat with a third layer. Cut the stacked filo sheets into four equal rectangles. Place some of the leek mixture at the bottom end of each strip. Fold both sides inwards and roll the filo up tightly. Once you are done, place the filled filo rolls on a parchment paper-lined sheet pan, seam side down. Continue with the rest of the filo. Brush the tops with a little more olive oil, sprinkle with coarse sea salt and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until golden.
• Remove from the oven and let stand for a few minutes. Serve as an appetizer with some plain Greek yogurt or tzatziki.

PHYLLO TRIANGLES WITH A LEEK-GOAT'S CHEESE FILLING

Steps:

• Clean leeks, cut in half lengthwise, and slice white parts (greens are not used). Wilt leek in 1 tbsp hot butter in circa 5 minutes Peel tomatoes, remove seeds, and dice. Cut olives in chunks. Mix leek, tomato, olives, cheese; add pepper to taste.
• Pre-heat oven at 200 deg C (400 deg F). Line cookie tray with baking paper. Melt remainder of butter. Spread a thin layer of butter over a sheet of pastry; fold in two, spread another thin layer of butter on top, put 1/4 of leek mixture on top at short end, and fold into a triangle. Spread with butter. Repeat with other sheets of pastry Bake in oven in until golden brown (circa 15 mins).
• Cut cherry tomatoes into halves. Serve triangles with cherry tomatoes and parsley.

CREAMY LEEK PHYLLO PARCELS

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 180ºC.
• Grease a large baking tray.
• Melt the butter in a saucepan and fry the leek until soft then beat in the cheese until thoroughly mixed. Season with pepper and nutmeg.
• Brush 1 sheet of phyllo pastry with olive oil and fold in half lengthways.
• Place 1/6th of the filling mixture at the bottom of the strip of pastry.
• Fold over in a triangle shape. Continue folding, keeping the triangle shape, until you reach the end of the strip of pastry.
• Make sure the filling is completely enclosed.
• Place on the baking tray and brush with oil. Repeat this for the remaining pastry.
• Cook for 20-25 minutes until crisp and slightly browned. Cool slightly before serving.