Moroccan – Pastilla

Moroccan Pastilla (also spelled Bastilla) is a traditional, savory pie that combines sweet and savory flavors, making it one of the most iconic dishes in Moroccan cuisine. It is typically made with pigeon or chicken, but chicken is more commonly used today. The dish is known for its delicate layers of thin pastry, rich filling, and the contrast of flavors and textures.

Key Features:

1. Flaky Pastry: The outer layers are made from warqa, a very thin pastry dough similar to phyllo pastry. These layers give the dish its crispy, crunchy texture.
2. Savory Filling: The filling typically consists of chicken (or pigeon), onions, almonds, eggs, and a variety of spices.
3. Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of spices (like cinnamon, saffron, and ginger) with sweet elements (such as sugar and almonds) gives Pastilla its unique flavor profile.
4. Tradition: Pastilla is often served during special occasions like weddings, festive meals, and family gatherings.

Ingredients:

• Meat: Traditionally pigeon, but chicken is more common in modern recipes.
• Spices: Cinnamon, saffron, turmeric, ginger, and cumin.
• Eggs: Used to bind the filling.
• Almonds: Often toasted and ground, adding a crunch and flavor.
• Onions: Caramelized in the filling.
• Warqa or Phyllo Pastry: Used to wrap the filling.
• Powdered Sugar: Sprinkled on top for a sweet contrast to the savory filling.
• Coriander and Parsley: For freshness and added flavor.

Preparation:

1. Cook the Meat: The chicken or pigeon is braised with onions, spices, and water until tender. The meat is then shredded, and the broth is reduced.
2. Prepare the Filling: The shredded meat is mixed with the cooked onions, almonds, eggs, and fresh herbs, then bound with some of the cooking liquid.
3. Assemble the Pastilla: The phyllo dough or warqa is layered in a circular shape, and the filling is placed in the center. More layers of dough are added on top.
4. Bake: The pastry is baked until golden and crispy, and the top is dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon for a sweet finish.

Cultural Significance:

• Special Occasions: Pastilla is a dish typically reserved for celebrations, such as weddings and religious festivals.
• Symbol of Moroccan Hospitality: The intricate preparation and presentation make it a dish that is often served to guests as a mark of honor and respect.

Serving:

Pastilla is traditionally served warm, often as a starter or main course. It is sliced into wedges, and the contrast of flaky pastry and savory-sweet filling makes it a memorable dish.

Flavor Profile:

Pastilla has a complex flavor profile, balancing the richness of the meat, the aromatic warmth of the spices, the sweetness of the sugar, and the crunchiness of the almonds. This combination of flavors makes it a truly unique dish in Moroccan cuisine.