Cheese and Potato Cigars

Makes about 20 small-bite servings

These crispy little bites can be filled with spare mashed potatoes for a Thanksgiving appetizer, or leftovers for a next-day reward for a busy host! Though they are best fried, you can brush them with oil and bake them at 425°F for a little less mess.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 1 lb 8 oz russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • Salt, to taste
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 lb feta, crumbled
  • 4 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste

Egg Wash

  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp whole milk

Cigars

  • 20 egg roll wrappers
  • Vegetable oil, as needed for frying

Directions

  1. To make the filling: Place the potatoes in a medium sauce pot with enough cold water to cover and sprinkle with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat to establish a simmer, and cook until fork-tender. Drain, allow the potatoes to dry, and set aside until cool enough to handle. Mash the potatoes or, if desired, run them through a ricer.
  2. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and add the mashed potatoes, cheese, and turmeric. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix by hand until the mixture is well combined.
  3. To make the egg wash: Whisk the egg together with the milk to combine.
  4. To make the cigars: Lay an egg roll wrapper out on a clean work surface. Add 2 tablespoons of the filling. Roll the wrapper over once, enclosing the filling. Fold the sides inward and finish rolling the wrapper. Brush the edges with the egg wash to seal.
  5. In a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, heat the oil to 350°F. Line a plate with paper towels. Working in batches so as not to overcrowd the pot, fry the cigars until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per batch. Using tongs or a skimmer, remove the fried cigars from the oil and transfer to the plate to drain briefly. Serve immediately.Chef’s Note When frying, it is important to always use a thermometer to regulate the oil’s temperature. To avoid getting burned, always use extreme caution when adding and removing items from the oil.

CIA FOODIES


Cheese and Potato Cigars

Cheese and Potato Cigars
Makes about 20 small-bite servings These crispy little bites can be filled with spare mashed potatoes for a Thanksgiving appetizer, or leftovers for a next-day reward for a busy host! Though they are best fried, you can brush them with oil and bake them at 425°F for a little less mess.

Ingredients

Filling
  • 1 lb 8 oz russet potatoes, peeled and diced
  • Salt, to taste
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 lb feta, crumbled
  • 4 teaspoons ground turmeric
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
Egg Wash
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tbsp whole milk
Cigars
  • 20 egg roll wrappers
  • Vegetable oil, as needed for frying

Directions

  1. To make the filling: Place the potatoes in a medium sauce pot with enough cold water to cover and sprinkle with salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce the heat to establish a simmer, and cook until fork-tender. Drain, allow the potatoes to dry, and set aside until cool enough to handle. Mash the potatoes or, if desired, run them through a ricer.
  2. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and add the mashed potatoes, cheese, and turmeric. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix by hand until the mixture is well combined.
  3. To make the egg wash: Whisk the egg together with the milk to combine.
  4. To make the cigars: Lay an egg roll wrapper out on a clean work surface. Add 2 tablespoons of the filling. Roll the wrapper over once, enclosing the filling. Fold the sides inward and finish rolling the wrapper. Brush the edges with the egg wash to seal.
  5. In a deep fryer or a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, heat the oil to 350°F. Line a plate with paper towels. Working in batches so as not to overcrowd the pot, fry the cigars until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per batch. Using tongs or a skimmer, remove the fried cigars from the oil and transfer to the plate to drain briefly. Serve immediately.Chef’s Note When frying, it is important to always use a thermometer to regulate the oil’s temperature. To avoid getting burned, always use extreme caution when adding and removing items from the oil.

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