Description
These Moroccan Cigar Appetizers are crispy, flavorful rolls filled with a savory mixture of rotisserie chicken, sweet California prunes, and aromatic Moroccan spices. Wrapped in pliable grain-free tortillas and fried to golden perfection, they make a perfect party appetizer or snack that’s both gluten-free and bursting with exotic flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Filling Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 cup shallots, thinly sliced (approximately 4 medium shallots)
- 3/4 cup California Prunes, finely chopped
- 1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and chopped well (3–4 cups)
- 4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 ½ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
- Kosher salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups water
Assembly and Cooking
- Grain Free tortillas, 14-16 (both almond flour and cassava flour work great)
- Avocado oil for frying, enough to fill skillet 1-1.25 inches deep
- 2 tbsp Italian parsley, finely chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Shallots: Preheat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 1-2 tbsp of olive oil and sauté the sliced shallots until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Prunes and Spices: Add the chopped California prunes to the pan along with additional oil if needed. Stir in the cumin, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, ginger, and water. Bring to a low simmer and cook until the mixture reduces slightly and the prunes become soft and jammy.
- Combine with Chicken: Place chopped chicken in a large bowl. Allow the prune and spice mixture to cool slightly, then add it to the chicken. Mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Warm Tortillas: Preheat a medium skillet over medium-low heat. Using olive oil or avocado oil spray, warm the grain-free tortillas for about 20 seconds on each side until pliable enough to roll without cracking.
- Roll the Cigars: Working in batches, place about 2-3 tbsp of the chicken mixture on the end of the tortilla closest to you. Tightly roll the tortilla around the filling, tucking in the ends without fully sealing as grain-free tortillas crack easily. Place each roll seam side down.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Preheat a medium skillet filled with 1 ¼ inches of avocado or neutral high-heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Also preheat the oven to 200°F to keep cigars warm after frying.
- Fry the Cigars: Carefully add 3 cigars seam-side down at a time into the hot oil using tongs. Fry for 1-2 minutes on the first side until golden and crispy, then rotate to cook the other sides evenly.
- Keep Warm: Remove the fried cigars and place them on a rack over a sheet tray. Keep them warm in the preheated oven while frying the remaining batches.
- Serve: Cut the cigars in half diagonally, arrange on a serving tray, garnish with chopped Italian parsley, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Using grain-free tortillas such as almond or cassava flour tortillas prevents gluten, but they are more delicate; warming them helps prevent cracking while rolling.
- The prunes add a subtle sweetness that balances the spices and savory chicken flavor.
- Avocado oil is recommended for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- You can adjust spices according to heat preference or substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked shredded chicken breast for a homemade version.
- Keep cooked cigars warm in the oven on a rack to maintain crispiness before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Sauteing, Simmering, Frying
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 Moroccan cigars
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Moroccan appetizers, Moroccan cigars, gluten free appetizers, chicken appetizers, Middle Eastern snacks, prune chicken rolls
