Satisfy Your Cravings: Mastering the Art of Making Moroccan Pastilla

Satisfy Your Cravings: Mastering the Art of Making Moroccan Pastilla

Embark on a culinary adventure with this exquisite recipe for Moroccan pastilla, a traditional dish that combines savory and sweet flavors in a flaky pastry. Dive into the rich tapestry of Moroccan cuisine as you learn to create this masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of chicken, diced
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon of ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric
• A pinch of saffron threads
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro
• 1/4 cup of chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup of blanched almonds, chopped
• 1/4 cup of powdered sugar
• 6-8 sheets of phyllo dough
• 1/2 cup of butter, melted
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

1. In a large skillet, sauté the onions and garlic until translucent.
2. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned.
3. Stir in the ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, saffron, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the chopped cilantro and parsley, then simmer until the chicken is cooked through.
5. Stir in the chopped almonds and powdered sugar. Let the mixture cool.
6. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
7. Brush a baking dish with melted butter.
8. Layer the phyllo dough sheets, brushing each layer with butter.
9. Add the chicken mixture on top of the phyllo layers.
10. Fold the edges of the phyllo over the filling to create a sealed packet.
11. Brush the top with the beaten egg wash.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown.
13. Serve hot, sprinkled with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Cooking Tips:

• To make the pastilla vegetarian, substitute the chicken with a mix of vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots.
• You can also add a pinch of Ras el Hanout spice blend for an extra flavor boost.
• If you prefer a lighter version, use filo pastry instead of phyllo dough.

Duration:

• Preparation Time: 30 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Serving Size:

This recipe serves 4-6 people.

Nutritional Information:

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 3g

Difficulty Level:

Intermediate

Tags:

Moroccan, Pastilla, Savory, Sweet, Chicken, Almonds, Phyllo Dough

Keywords:

Moroccan Pastilla, Chicken Recipe, Moroccan Cuisine, Flaky Pastry, North African Dish, Savory and Sweet, Authentic Recipe, Culinary Adventure, Traditional Dish, Exotic Flavors, Satisfy Cravings, Cooking Techniques, Saffron-infused, Spices and Herbs, Easy-to-follow, Cultural Delight, Dinner Party Favorite, Nutritious Ingredients, Fusion of Cultures, Delicious Fusion