Sweet peanut cigars with honey are a delicious and crunchy treat that combines the nutty flavor of peanuts with the sweetness of honey and the warm aroma of cinnamon and orange blossom water. Wrapped in thin brick pastry sheets, these golden-fried cigars are perfect for special occasions, tea-time treats, or when you simply crave something sweet and crunchy. The caramel and cinnamon add a delightful depth to the flavor, while the honey coating gives a sticky, shiny finish. These peanut cigars are not only easy to make but also a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients (for approximately 40 pieces)

For the filling:

• 500g Peanuts (raw or roasted, unsalted)
• 80g Sugar
• 20g Butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon Caramel (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons Orange Blossom Water

For the pastry:

• 10 Sheets of Brick Pastry (thin, round pastry sheets)
• A little butter (for brushing the pastry)
• Honey (for coating the cigars)
• Vegetable Oil (for frying)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Peanut Filling

1. Grind the peanuts: If using raw peanuts, start by toasting them in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. If using roasted peanuts, skip this step. Let the peanuts cool slightly, then place them in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped but not too powdery. You want some texture in the filling.
2. Mix the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the ground peanuts, sugar, melted butter, cinnamon, and caramel (if using). Add the orange blossom water and mix well until the ingredients form a sticky and cohesive mixture. The orange blossom water adds a fragrant, floral touch that balances the richness of the peanuts and sugar.

Step 2: Prepare the Pastry

1. Cut the pastry sheets: Lay out the brick pastry sheets on a clean surface. Using a sharp knife, cut each sheet into four equal strips. You should have long, thin strips that will be used to wrap the filling into cigars.
2. Brush with butter: Melt some butter and lightly brush each strip of pastry with the melted butter. This helps the pastry become golden and crispy when fried.

Step 3: Assemble the Peanut Cigars

1. Fill the pastry: Take a small spoonful (about a tablespoon) of the peanut mixture and place it at one end of the pastry strip. Fold in the sides and roll the pastry around the filling to create a cigar shape. Make sure to roll it tightly so the filling doesn’t spill out during frying.
2. Seal the cigars: To seal the edge of the pastry, brush a little more melted butter or water along the edge of the pastry strip before finishing the roll. Repeat the process with the remaining pastry strips and peanut filling.

Step 4: Fry the Cigars

1. Heat the oil: In a deep pan or skillet, heat enough vegetable oil for frying over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that when you drop a small piece of pastry in, it sizzles immediately, but not so hot that it burns quickly.
2. Fry the cigars: Carefully place a few peanut cigars into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Once fried, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Coat the Cigars in Honey

1. Warm the honey: In a small saucepan, gently warm the honey over low heat until it becomes slightly runny. You don’t want the honey to boil—just warm enough to coat the cigars easily.
2. Coat the cigars: Once the peanut cigars have cooled slightly, dip each one into the warm honey, turning it to ensure it’s fully coated. Place the honey-coated cigars on a cooling rack or a plate lined with parchment paper to let the excess honey drip off and the cigars to set.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish with nuts or sesame seeds (optional): If desired, you can sprinkle finely chopped nuts or sesame seeds over the honey-coated cigars for extra crunch and decoration.
2. Serve: These sweet peanut cigars are best served fresh and slightly warm. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee as a delightful dessert or snack.

Nutrition Facts (Per Piece)

• Calories: 140
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 30mg

Note: These values are approximate and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portions used.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of nuts?
Yes! You can substitute peanuts with almonds, walnuts, or pistachios. The flavor profile will change slightly, but the result will still be delicious.

2. Can I bake these cigars instead of frying?
Yes, if you prefer a healthier version, you can bake the cigars. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and place the cigars on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with butter and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden and crispy.

3. What is brick pastry, and where can I find it?
Brick pastry is a thin, delicate dough used in North African and Middle Eastern cooking, similar to phyllo dough. You can find it in most international or specialty grocery stores, or you can substitute with phyllo dough if needed.

4. Can I prepare the peanut cigars ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cigars and store them in the fridge for a day before frying. If you want to freeze them, place them on a tray and freeze them before frying. When you’re ready to cook, fry them directly from the freezer without thawing.

Tips for Making the Perfect Peanut Cigars

1. Don’t overfill the cigars: Use just enough peanut filling to create a thin layer inside the pastry. Overfilling can cause the cigars to burst during frying.
2. Seal the edges properly: Make sure to brush the pastry edges with butter or water to ensure the cigars stay tightly wrapped while frying.
3. Monitor the oil temperature: Make sure your oil is hot enough to fry the cigars to a golden brown without soaking up too much oil. Too low of a temperature can make the pastry greasy.
4. Use warm honey for coating: Warming the honey makes it easier to coat the cigars evenly. If the honey is too thick, it can be hard to spread over the crispy pastry.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The cigars will stay crisp if stored properly.
2. Freezing: Unfried cigars can be frozen. Place them in a single layer on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Fry directly from frozen when ready to serve.
3. Reheating: If the cigars lose their crispiness, you can reheat them in the oven at 150°C (300°F) for about 5-7 minutes to restore the crunch.

Conclusion

Sweet peanut cigars with honey are a delightful treat that marries the rich, nutty flavor of peanuts with the fragrant sweetness of honey and cinnamon. Wrapped in crispy brick pastry and fried to golden perfection, these cigars are easy to make yet taste like something you’d get from a gourmet bakery. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or as an indulgent snack, this recipe is sure to win over anyone who tries it. With a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a delicious, crunchy, and sweet dessert that’s perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy!