Spiced Fig & Halloumi Phyllo Cigars with Honey-Chili Drizzle

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   ~5 min
2. 2

   Wash and hull the fresh figs. Chop them into small pieces. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped figs, lemon zest, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

   ~10 min
3. 3

   Grate the halloumi cheese into the fig mixture. Add the ground pistachios and mix gently to combine.

   ~5 min
4. 4

   Unroll the phyllo dough and cover it with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. Take one sheet of phyllo dough and brush it generously with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush again with butter. Repeat with a third sheet.

   ~5 min
5. 5

   Cut the layered phyllo dough into three equal strips lengthwise.

   ~2 min
6. 6

   Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the fig and halloumi filling at one end of each strip. Fold the sides of the phyllo strip inwards over the filling, then roll it up tightly like a cigar.

   ~15 min
7. 7

   Place the phyllo cigars seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops generously with melted butter.

   ~5 min
8. 8

   Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy. While the cigars are baking, gently warm the honey in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in the red pepper flakes.

   ~25 min
9. 9

   Remove the cigars from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet. Drizzle the warm honey-chili mixture over the warm cigars before serving.

   ~5 min