Chicken Pastilla (or Bastilla)
Ingredients
- 500 g of cooked and shredded chicken
- 10 sheets of phyllo dough
- 2 onions, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 teaspoon of turmeric
- 1 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 100 g of crushed almonds
- 50 g of melted butter
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Powdered sugar and ground cinnamon for sprinkling
Chicken Pastilla (or Bastilla)
Instructions :
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
- Add the crushed garlic, turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Mix well.
- Add the shredded chicken and mix to coat it well with the spices. Cook for a few minutes to blend the flavors.
- Add the crushed almonds and mix again. Cook for a few more minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Brush each sheet of phyllo dough with melted butter using a pastry brush.
- Arrange 5 sheets of phyllo dough in a pie dish, letting them overlap the edges.
- Spread the chicken mixture over the phyllo dough in the dish.
- Fold the edges of the phyllo dough towards the center, forming a tightly sealed package.
- Brush the top of the pastilla with the remaining melted butter.
- Bake the pastilla for about 30 minutes, or until it is golden and crispy.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly.
- Sprinkle the pastilla with powdered sugar and ground cinnamon.
- Serve the chicken pastilla by cutting it into individual portions.
- Chicken pastilla is a traditional Moroccan dish that combines sweet and savory in a deliciously crispy phyllo dough envelope. It is an emblematic recipe of Moroccan cuisine and is often served on special occasions and celebrations.