Name: Cuban Beef Cigars: Crispy Bites Bursting with Flavor
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Cuban
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil (essential for sautéing); 1 medium green pepper (brings a sweet crunch); 1 medium onion (a flavor base you can’t skip); 2 cloves garlic (adds wonderful aroma); 1 pound lean ground beef (the star protein); 1 tablespoon Sazon Goya (coriander and annatto infuses spice and color); 2 tablespoons tomato paste (thickens the filling beautifully); 1/2 cup tomato sauce (provides moisture); 2 leaves bay leaves (adds an aromatic touch); 1/2 cup vegetable broth (enhances the flavor depth); 1/4 cup pimento-stuffed green olives (introduces briny notes); 1/4 cup raisins (brings delightful sweetness); 1 medium parboiled potato (offers texture); 1/4 cup olive juice (adds a zesty flavor); 1/4 cup water (adjusts the filling’s consistency); 8 sheets filo dough (creates that signature crunch); 1/2 cup butter (used for brushing on layers)

Description

Cuban Beef Cigars are an irresistible appetizer that combines crispy filo dough with a flavorful picadillo filling. These little bites are bursting with a savory mix of ground beef, olives, raisins, and aromatic spices, perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering or as a delicious snack.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil (essential for sautéing)

1 medium green pepper (brings a sweet crunch)

1 medium onion (a flavor base you can’t skip)

2 cloves garlic (adds wonderful aroma)

1 pound lean ground beef (the star protein)

1 tablespoon Sazon Goya (coriander and annatto infuses spice and color)

2 tablespoons tomato paste (thickens the filling beautifully)

1/2 cup tomato sauce (provides moisture)

2 leaves bay leaves (adds an aromatic touch)

1/2 cup vegetable broth (enhances the flavor depth)

1/4 cup pimento-stuffed green olives (introduces briny notes)

1/4 cup raisins (brings delightful sweetness)

1 medium parboiled potato (offers texture)

1/4 cup olive juice (adds a zesty flavor)

1/4 cup water (adjusts the filling’s consistency)

8 sheets filo dough (creates that signature crunch)

1/2 cup butter (used for brushing on layers)

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped green peppers and onions, and sauté until softened.
Add ground beef to the skillet with the vegetables and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in vegetable broth and water, and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Brush each filo sheet with melted butter. Place about 2 heaping tablespoons of the cooled beef filling at one end of each sheet.
Roll the filo dough tightly into a cigar shape, tucking in the sides as you go along to seal in the filling.
Place the rolled cigars on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Notes

For a vegetarian twist, swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or a combination of mushrooms and lentils for a hearty filling.

Add some diced jalapeños or a bit of hot sauce to the beef filling for an extra layer of heat.

If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even pork for a different flavor profile.

To keep the filo dough from drying out, cover the sheets with a damp towel while working with them and brush each sheet with melted butter.

These cigars can be served with dipping sauces such as mojo sauce, spicy ketchup, or a tangy vinegar-based sauce.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cigar
Calories: 210
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 40mg