Discover the exquisite taste of Pigeon Pastilla, a delectable variation of the traditional Moroccan pastilla made with tender pigeon meat. This savory-sweet pastry is a true delicacy, featuring a perfect blend of spices, almonds, and a hint of cinnamon, all encased in a flaky, golden-brown pastry shell. Ideal for special occasions or a gourmet treat, follow this detailed recipe to create a stunning dish that will impress your family and friends. 

Ingredients:

- 2 pigeons, cleaned and cut into pieces

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1 teaspoon ground ginger

- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1 cup chicken or pigeon broth

- 1/2 cup blanched almonds, chopped

- 1/4 cup raisins

- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

- 6 sheets of phyllo dough

- 2 tablespoons melted butter

- Powdered sugar, for dusting

- Ground cinnamon, for dusting

Instructions:

Prepare the Pigeon Meat:

  - In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, cooking until softened.

  - Add the pigeon pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.

  - Stir in the cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Cook for an additional minute to let the spices release their flavors.

  - Pour in the broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, or until the pigeon meat is tender and fully cooked.

  - Remove the pigeon pieces from the pot and let them cool. Once cooled, shred the meat, discarding bones and excess fat.

Prepare the Filling:

  - Return the shredded pigeon meat to the pot. Add the chopped almonds, raisins, parsley, and cilantro. Cook for another 10 minutes to blend the flavors. Remove from heat and let cool.

Assemble the Pastilla:

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

  - Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush with melted butter. Place another sheet on top and brush with more butter. Repeat until you have 6 layers of phyllo.

  - Place half of the pigeon filling in the center of the phyllo stack, spreading it out evenly.

  - Fold the edges of the phyllo over the filling to create a parcel. Brush the top with more melted butter.

  - Transfer the pastilla to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crispy.

Serve:

  - Remove the pastilla from the oven and let it cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and ground cinnamon before serving.

Enjoy this luxurious Pigeon Pastilla as a stunning centerpiece for any special meal!

Nutritional values 

Here are the nutritional values and benefits for the ingredients in your pigeon dish recipe:

2 pigeons, cleaned and cut into pieces

  - Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per 100g

  - Protein: 30g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Fat: 3g

Benefits:

  - High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.

  - Lean meat with relatively low fat content.

  - Provides essential nutrients like iron and vitamin B12.

1 large onion, finely chopped

  - Calories: Approximately 45 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 11g

  - Sugars: 5g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds flavor and nutrients. Onions contain antioxidants and compounds that support heart health.

2 tablespoons olive oil

  - Calories: Approximately 240 kcal

  - Fat: 27g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

  - Rich in monounsaturated fats which are heart-healthy.

  - Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.

2 cloves garlic, minced

  - Calories: Approximately 9 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds flavor and contains compounds with potential immune-boosting and heart health benefits.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

  - Calories: 6 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0.1g

Benefits:

  - Adds warm, sweet flavor. Contains antioxidants and has potential anti-inflammatory properties.

1 teaspoon ground ginger

  - Calories: 6 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds spicy flavor. Ginger has potential digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits.

1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric

  - Calories: 8 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:

  - Adds color and flavor. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

  - Calories: 3 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0.8g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0.1g

Benefits:

  - Adds spice and has potential antioxidant properties.

1/2 teaspoon salt

  - Calories: 0 kcal

  - Sodium: 1160mg

Benefits:

  - Enhances flavor. Sodium is essential for fluid balance but should be used in moderation.

1 cup chicken or pigeon broth

  - Calories: Approximately 15 kcal

  - Protein: 2g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

  - Adds flavor and moisture. Contains minerals and nutrients from the cooking process.

1/2 cup blanched almonds, chopped

  - Calories: Approximately 270 kcal

  - Protein: 10g

  - Carbohydrates: 10g

  - Fat: 24g

Benefits:

  - Provides healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E. Adds crunch and richness.

1/4 cup raisins

  - Calories: Approximately 100 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 27g

  - Sugars: 25g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds natural sweetness and some dietary fiber. Contains iron and potassium.

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

  - Calories: Approximately 5 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0.5g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds freshness and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

  - Calories: Approximately 1 kcal

  - Carbohydrates: 0.2g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds a fresh flavor. Contains antioxidants and vitamins A and C.

6 sheets of phyllo dough

  - Calories: Approximately 150 kcal per sheet

  - Carbohydrates: 15g

  - Sugars: 1g

  - Protein: 2g

  - Fat: 7g

Benefits:

  - Provides a crisp and flaky texture. Adds minimal nutritional value but is important for texture.

2 tablespoons melted butter

  - Calories: Approximately 200 kcal

  - Fat: 22g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

  - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds richness and helps with the crispiness of the phyllo dough. Contains fats that are essential for energy.

Powdered sugar, for dusting

  - Calories: Approximately 30 kcal per tablespoon

  - Carbohydrates: 8g

  - Sugars: 8g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

  - Adds sweetness for flavor. Should be used sparingly due to high sugar content.

Ground cinnamon, for dusting

  - Calories: 6 kcal per teaspoon

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Sugars: 0g

  - Protein: 0.1g

  - Fat: 0.1g

Benefits:

  - Adds a sweet and aromatic flavor. Contains antioxidants and has potential anti-inflammatory properties.

This combination of ingredients creates a flavorful dish with a mix of savory and sweet elements, balanced with a variety of spices and fresh herbs.