Bitter Greens and Feta Stuffed Phyllo Cigars
Crispy, golden phyllo dough parcels encase a savory filling of slightly bitter wild greens, salty feta cheese, and a hint of lemon zest. This appetizer offers a delightful balance of bitter, sweet, and umami flavors, making it a sophisticated yet easy-to-prepare dish.

Prep Time
45 min
Difficulty
Medium
Servings
12
Calories
180 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
~5 min - 2
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
~5 min - 3
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
~1 min - 4
Add the mixed wild greens to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess liquid and let cool slightly.
~7 min - 5
In a mixing bowl, combine the wilted greens, crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, chopped dill, black pepper, and salt. Mix gently to combine.
~2 min - 6
Carefully unroll the phyllo dough. Cover the unused sheets with a damp kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out. Take one sheet of phyllo and brush it lightly with olive oil.
~3 min - 7
Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling at one end of the phyllo sheet. Fold the sides in, then roll up tightly to form a cigar shape.
~3 min - 8
Place the phyllo cigars seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with olive oil.
~2 min - 9
Repeat with the remaining phyllo sheets and filling until all are used.
~10 min - 10
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
~20 min - 11
Let cool slightly before serving.
Tips
- When working with phyllo dough, it's crucial to keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out and becoming brittle. Work quickly and efficiently.
- These can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. For an even crispier result, brush with egg wash instead of olive oil before baking.
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