Discover how to make Pastilla, a traditional Moroccan savory pie featuring layers of delicate pastry filled with spiced meat, almonds, and a touch of sweetness. This recipe guides you through preparing this exquisite dish with a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Ideal for special occasions or a unique meal experience!

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

 - 1 whole chicken or 2 cups cooked, shredded pigeon meat

 - 1 large onion, finely chopped

 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

 - 1/2 cup almonds, toasted and chopped

 - 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

 - 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 - 1 teaspoon ground ginger

 - 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin

 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

 - 2 tablespoons butter

 - 1/4 cup water or chicken broth

 - 4 large eggs, beaten

For Assembly:

 - 10 sheets of phyllo pastry

 - 1/2 cup melted butter

 - Powdered sugar, for dusting

 - Ground cinnamon, for dusting

Instructions:

Prepare the Filling:

  - In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened.

  - Add the shredded chicken or pigeon meat and cook until heated through.

  - Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Mix well.

  - Add chopped almonds, cilantro, and parsley. Stir to combine.

  - Pour in the water or chicken broth, and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

  - Allow the filling to cool slightly before adding the beaten eggs. Stir well to combine.

Assemble the Pastilla:

  - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

  - Brush a round baking dish or pie pan with melted butter. Lay a sheet of phyllo pastry in the dish, allowing the edges to hang over the sides. Brush with more melted butter.

  - Repeat with 5 more sheets of phyllo, brushing each layer with butter.

  - Spread the filling evenly over the pastry layers.

  - Fold the overhanging edges of the phyllo over the filling, brushing with butter.

  - Cover with the remaining phyllo sheets, brushing each layer with butter, and tuck the edges in neatly.

  - Brush the top with butter.

Bake and Serve:

  - Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

  - Allow the pastilla to cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar and ground cinnamon.

  - Serve warm, and enjoy this delightful Moroccan dish!

Feel free to adjust spices and seasoning to taste. Enjoy your homemade Pastilla!

Nutritional values

Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the nutritional information and benefits for each ingredient used in the savory filling and assembly for the briouat:

1 whole chicken or 2 cups cooked, shredded pigeon meat

 - Chicken (1 whole): Approximately 1400 kcal

 - Pigeon Meat (2 cups): Approximately 300 kcal

Benefits: High in protein, essential for muscle repair and immune function. Rich in vitamins B6 and B12 (chicken) and iron (pigeon meat).

1 large onion, finely chopped

 - Calories: Approximately 45 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 11g

 - Sugars: 5g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and vitamins C and B6. Supports heart health and has anti-inflammatory effects.

2 cloves garlic, minced

 - Calories: Approximately 27 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 6g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds flavor and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties.

1/2 cup almonds, toasted and chopped

 - Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

 - Fat: 35g

 - Carbohydrates: 15g

 - Protein: 15g

Benefits: Rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E. Supports heart health, provides energy, and aids in digestion.

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

 - Calories: Approximately 1 kcal per tablespoon

 - Carbohydrates: 0.3g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Provides vitamins A, C, and K. Adds antioxidants and supports digestion.

1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

 - Calories: Approximately 1 kcal per tablespoon

 - Carbohydrates: 0.3g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Provides vitamins A, C, and K. Adds antioxidants and supports overall health.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 - Calories: Approximately 3 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds flavor and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Supports metabolic health.

1 teaspoon ground ginger

 - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds flavor and has anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits. Supports immune health.

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

 - Calories: Approximately 8 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits: Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Supports joint health and digestion.

1 teaspoon ground cumin

 - Calories: Approximately 8 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.4g

 - Fat: 0.4g

Benefits: Adds flavor and provides antioxidants. Aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

 - Calories: Approximately 3 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Enhances flavor and aids digestion. Contains piperine, which has antioxidant properties.

1/2 teaspoon salt

 - Calories: Negligible

Benefits: Enhances flavor. Use in moderation to manage sodium intake.

2 tablespoons olive oil

 - Calories: Approximately 240 kcal

 - Fat: 28g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Rich in monounsaturated fats, supports heart health and provides antioxidants.

2 tablespoons butter

 - Calories: Approximately 200 kcal

 - Fat: 22g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Adds flavor and provides fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).

1/4 cup water or chicken broth

 - Calories: Negligible (broth: approx. 10 kcal)

Benefits: Provides moisture and enhances flavor.

4 large eggs, beaten

 - Calories: Approximately 280 kcal

 - Protein: 24g

 - Fat: 20g

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits: Adds protein and essential nutrients. Supports muscle maintenance and overall health.

10 sheets of phyllo pastry

 - Calories: Approximately 90 kcal per sheet

 - Fat: 5g

 - Carbohydrates: 10g

 - Protein: 1g

Benefits: Used as a pastry wrapper. Low in fat compared to other pastry options.

1/2 cup melted butter

 - Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

 - Fat: 44g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits: Adds flavor and helps achieve a crispy texture. Provides fat-soluble vitamins.

Powdered sugar, for dusting

 - Calories: Approximately 30 kcal per tablespoon

 - Carbohydrates: 8g

 - Sugars: 8g

Benefits: Adds sweetness and visual appeal. Use in moderation.

Ground cinnamon, for dusting

 - Calories: Approximately 3 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds flavor and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Supports metabolic health.