Tunisian cuisine Jewish cuisine Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Breakfast Dairy-free Freezable Cookies Batch cooking Honey cakes

Honey Cigars

Almond and honey syrup cigars are one of the most beloved Tunisian pastries and an essential part of holiday tables. They’re also one of the easiest to make.

Chloé Flam

Honey Cigars

Ingredients

Check off ingredients as you go

    For about 30 cigars

      For the filling

      • 250g (2 cups) almond flour
      • 150g (1¼ cups) powdered sugar
      • 2 tbsp orange blossom water
      • 1 whole egg
      • 2-3 drops bitter almond extract
      • some crushed pistachios (optional)
      • Phyllo sheets (brick pastry)

      For the honey syrup

      • 4 tbsp liquid honey
      • ¾ cup water
      • 5 tbsp sugar (I use brown sugar)
      • zest of one lemon

      1. In a bowl, mix the filling ingredients to form almond paste. The mixture should be smooth and easy to handle.

      2. Cut the phyllo sheets in half (or quarters depending on the size of your sheets). Place the filling, fold in the sides and roll. Honey cigar Honey cigar Honey cigar Honey cigar

      3. Fry the cigars in a shallow layer of oil (they should only be half immersed) until golden, drain them then dip them in the honey syrup that you’ll have prepared in a saucepan during the frying, and gently place them on a serving plate.

      Tips and variations

      • Some people use only egg white to make the almond paste. I’ve tested both and didn’t notice any difference, so now I use the whole egg to avoid leftover yolk.
      • If your honey syrup becomes too thick, add a little water. Conversely, if it’s too thin, add a bit of sugar.
      • Honey cigars freeze well, just dip them in honey syrup shortly before serving.

      If you love honey cakes, you should also try Manicotti or yoyos.

      You've successfully subscribed to Pita & Chocolat!