Recipe

Curried Lamb "cigars" Recipe

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Ingredients

1 small onion, finely sliced
1 c unsweetened coconut milk
Vegetable oil, for frying
1 tsp habanero sauce, plus more for serving
2 small tomatoes, sliced
1 small sweet potato, peeled & cut into 1/2 -inch dice
Salt & freshly ground pepper
2 whole star anise pods
1 lb ground lamb
2 garlic cloves, minced
36 triangular sheets of yufka
Sugar
2 tbsps canola oil
1 bay leaf
3 tbsps curry powder
1 c canned low-sodium chicken broth
1/3 c crumbled feta cheese

Directions

Step #1 In a large skillet, heat the canola oil.
Step #2 Add the lamb & cook over high heat, stirring every once in awhile, until no trace of pink remains, about 7 mins.
Step #3 Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat to a plate.
Step #4 Add the onion & garlic to the skillet & cook, stirring, until softened but not browned, 2 to 3 mins.
Step #5 Return the meat to the skillet & add the curry powder.
Step #6 Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 mins.
Step #7 Add the coconut milk & chicken broth & bring to a boil.
Step #8 Add the sweet potato, the 1 tsp of habanero sauce & a generous pinch each of salt, star anise, bay leaf, tomatoes, pepper & sugar.
Step #9 Simmer over moderately low heat until the sweet potato is tender & the liquid is absorbed, about 20 mins.
Step #10 Transfer the filling to a bowl & let cool.
Step #11 Discard the star anise & bay leaf.
Step #12 Stir in the feta.
Step #13 Lightly brush both sides of 1 yufka triangle with water.
Step #14 Set it on a work surface with the pointed end away from you.
Step #15 Keep the remaining pastry covered with plastic wrap.
Step #16 Spread 1 tbsp of the filling along the bottom edge of the triangle.
Step #17 Roll the pastry up from the bottom, folding in the sides as you go.
Step #18 Transfer to a platter, seam side down.
Step #19 Repeat with the remaining yufka & filling.
Step #20 Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil In a large-ish deep skillet.
Step #21 Fry the cigars in batches, 6 at a time, turning, until golden & crisp, about 3 mins.
Step #22 Drain on a rack set over a baking sheet.
Step #23 Serve as soon as possible with habanero sauce.
Step #24 : Make Ahead: The uncooked cigars can be frozen in an airtight container between layers of wax paper for several weeks.
Step #25 Don't defrost before frying.
Step #26 Notes: Yufka is rolled slightly thicker than phyllo; often fried to make the Turkish savory pastries called sigara borek.
Step #27 It is available at Middle Eastern grocery stores & by mail from Adriana's Caravan (800-316-0820).
Step #28 Asian spring roll wrappers (not egg roll wrappers) are the best substitute.
Enjoy the Curried Lamb "Cigars" recipe