Authentic Moroccan Bastilla Recipe Guide

Moroccan bastilla, or pastilla, is a unique and flavorful dish traditionally served during weddings, special events, and family gatherings. This delicious pie is known for its delicate, flaky crust filled with tender meat (typically chicken or seafood) and layered with ground almonds and spices. The true beauty of bastilla lies in its balance of sweet and savory flavors, as well as the combination of soft filling and crispy phyllo layers. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process of creating an authentic Moroccan bastilla, complete with helpful tips for the best results.

Ingredients for Moroccan Bastilla

Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients ready. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Filling:

• 1 whole chicken (about 1.5 kg), cut into pieces
• 2 large onions, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp saffron threads
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 large eggs

For the Almond Mixture:

• 200 g almonds, blanched and fried
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For Assembly:

• 8–10 sheets of phyllo dough
• 100 g melted butter
• Powdered sugar and ground cinnamon for dusting

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Moroccan Bastilla

1. Preparing the Chicken Filling

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown them on all sides.
3. Sprinkle in the ginger, saffron, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
4. Add the chopped cilantro and parsley, followed by the chicken broth.
5. Cover the pot and simmer for about 40–45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool. When cool enough to handle, shred the meat, discarding the bones.
7. Reduce the broth left in the pot by simmering it until thickened. Beat the eggs, then slowly stir them into the broth mixture, cooking until it forms a thick sauce. Remove from heat and combine the shredded chicken with this sauce.

2. Preparing the Almond Layer

1. In a separate skillet, toast the almonds until golden brown, then transfer to a food processor.
2. Add sugar and cinnamon to the almonds and pulse until finely ground. Set aside for later.

3. Assembling the Bastilla

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Grease a round baking pan with butter. Place a single sheet of phyllo dough on the bottom of the pan, letting the edges hang over the sides. Brush with melted butter, and repeat until you’ve layered 4–5 sheets, each brushed with butter.
3. Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly on the phyllo dough. Next, sprinkle a layer of the almond mixture over the chicken. Then, add the remaining chicken mixture on top.
4. Fold the edges of the phyllo over the filling, brushing with butter to secure each layer.
5. Place another 3–4 sheets of phyllo dough on top, each brushed with melted butter. Fold the edges under the pie to seal it completely.

4. Baking the Bastilla

1. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30–35 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and crisp.
2. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. For an authentic presentation, dust the top of the bastilla with powdered sugar and a pinch of ground cinnamon in a decorative pattern.

Serving Suggestions

Bastilla is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve it as an impressive centerpiece for a special dinner or a festive gathering. Pair it with Moroccan mint tea or a simple green salad for a complete meal. Bastilla’s unique combination of sweet and savory flavors makes it a versatile dish that appeals to a wide range of palates.

Tips for Making the Perfect Bastilla

• Handle Phyllo Dough Carefully: Phyllo is delicate and dries out quickly, so work with one sheet at a time and keep the rest covered with a damp towel.
• Customize the Filling: For seafood lovers, try making bastilla with shrimp or fish instead of chicken. You can also add raisins for a touch of extra sweetness.
• Advance Preparation: Prepare the chicken filling and almond mixture in advance. You can even assemble the bastilla the day before baking to save time.
• Experiment with Spices: Some versions of bastilla include a hint of anise or even orange blossom water for an aromatic touch.

Health Benefits of Moroccan Bastilla

While bastilla is a special occasion dish, its ingredients offer several health benefits. The almonds provide protein and healthy fats, while the chicken filling is high in protein and low in fat. Spices like ginger and turmeric not only add flavor but are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Conclusion

Bastilla is a testament to the richness and depth of Moroccan cuisine. Though it may take a bit of time and patience, making an authentic Moroccan bastilla is incredibly rewarding. With its beautiful, golden crust and layers of tender, spiced chicken and almonds, this dish brings the flavors of Morocco right to your table. Try this recipe for your next gathering, and you’ll see why bastilla has remained a beloved Moroccan classic for centuries.