I make these at least once a week coz my husband keeps asking for them all the time. I do the folowing changes: 1- before adding the ground beef to the skillet I add 1/4 cup chopped onion and stir them in the EVO until golden brown then I add the ground beef. 2- I use fresh chopped roma tomato instead of crushed tomatoes . 3- I add back pepper + clove of garlic and dried parsley just right before turning the heat off. 4- I brush them with real melted butter
I made a spicy moroccan inspired dipping sauce with the remaining crushed tomatoes. I used 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes 2 tablespoon plain yogurt 1 clove garlic 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. I put it all in the food processor until smooth. It went very well with the meal. I also added onions and garlic to the meat as someone suggested and used butter instead of oil to coat the tops of the cigars. Served with saffron rice this meal was satisfying and impressive.
This was decent. I would definitely let it 'meld' overnight. I tried it immediately after I made it and almost tossed it out right then and there. It was soooo bland. I added some cayenne and left it until morning. After you wrap it up in some really buttery phyllo it is much better. No 'tang' or salt at all which is a little strange to get used to. But all in all not bad. I think I would definitely want a dipping sauce. But not hummus.
These are so delicious! I have to admit I have never tried a beef or meat recipe using these particular spices before so I was hesitant to make it. But I am so glad I did. The flavours were wonderfully fragrant while it simmered and the taste all the flavours complimented each other perfectly! I did leave out the paprika cause I had none but added some cayenne pepper instead. I also brushed my phyllo dough with melted butter cause I didn't have cooking spray. So it had a buttery flavour to it as well. I probably used double the amount of filling in my cigars but that's just personal preference. I did not dip these in anything I ate them plain. They would make impressive appetizers at parties or just great for snacking on as a finger food. Thanks for sharing!
These were AWESOME!!!!!! I use jerk seasoning instead of all the different spices (they look pretty much the same) and made them bigger to serve for the main course at dinner. I will be making these again and again!!!!
We liked these appys a lot although I did ramp up the spices a bit. I also used butter instead of cooking spray and brushed the tops with butter. They have a unique flavor and are an interesting addition to an all appetizer party. I made them ahead froze them and baked them without defrosting. Excellent!
My husband is going to love these... Now i just need to find a side to go with them. After trying the original recipe I decided to add onion to the ground pork (it's what i had) and it gave it that little extra zing. Tried them with hummus but i'm probably going to whip up a yogurt sauce for these. Glad i took a chance!
I made these tonight for dinner and followed the recipe exactly. My husband and I both thought they were a little bland. This isn't a difficult recipe and I think worth another try. Next time I will add salt and include a dipping sauce of some type. Surprisingly with the variety of spices the "cigar" itself is bland. I also think brushing the phyllo with butter would add more flavor.
Loved the concept not so much the content at first! Heeded the warnings of other reviewers; tasted the filling and it was bland. I added salt&pepper cayenne garlic onion mint parsley dill lemon zest. Served it with Tzatziki sauce. It was on! Make it a Cuban cigar next time!:)
