how to fix Moroccan Chicken Bastilla best dish 2024

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Moroccan Chicken Bastilla: A Layered Delight of Flavors

Moroccan cuisine is famous for its rich, aromatic, and complex dishes, but few are as luxurious and unique as the Moroccan Chicken Bastilla (also spelled pastilla). This dish, a savory and sweet pie wrapped in crispy layers of phyllo dough, marries the tenderness of slow-cooked chicken with the sweetness of almonds and cinnamon. Traditionally reserved for special occasions such as weddings or feasts, Bastilla is a true representation of the opulence and creativity in Moroccan cooking.

What is Bastilla?

Bastilla is a traditional Moroccan pie that was originally made with pigeon meat, but the modern chicken version is more common and accessible. The filling combines spiced chicken, scrambled eggs, and a mixture of toasted almonds and cinnamon, encased in delicate layers of thin dough (warqa or phyllo). The final touch—a dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon—gives the pie its distinct Moroccan identity, balancing the savory and sweet flavors in every bite.

Origins of Chicken Bastilla

The origins of Bastilla are often linked to Andalusian cuisine, brought to Morocco by Moors expelled from Spain during the 15th century. Over time, Moroccan cooks adapted this dish, incorporating local spices and flavors, making it a staple in celebratory meals. Bastilla’s creation showcases the Moroccan love for layers of flavor, combining contrasting elements like meat and sugar, eggs and nuts, and spices that range from earthy to fragrant.

Why You Should Try Making Moroccan Chicken Bastilla

This dish is more than just food; it’s an experience. The process of making a Bastilla requires attention to detail, but the end result is well worth the effort. From the fragrant spices that perfume the kitchen to the first crunch of the crispy crust, Bastilla is a true culinary masterpiece.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients, preparation, and cooking process, giving you tips along the way to help you master this iconic dish.

Moroccan Chicken Bastilla Recipe

Servings: 6-8
Preparation time: 45 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

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Cooking Process

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Filling

1. Marinating the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the chicken thighs with chopped onions, parsley, cilantro, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, saffron, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Allow the chicken to marinate for 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Cooking the Chicken: Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the marinated chicken along with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cover the pot. Allow the chicken to simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Shredding the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Reserve the broth, which will be used later for the egg mixture.

Step 2: Preparing the Egg Mixture

1. Reduce the Broth: Return the chicken broth to the heat and reduce it until about 1 cup of liquid remains.
2. Cooking the Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and slowly pour them into the reduced broth, stirring continuously. Cook the mixture over medium heat until the eggs are scrambled and have absorbed the broth, resulting in a thick, moist egg mixture.

Step 3: Preparing the Almond Mixture

1. Toasting the Almonds: In a dry pan, toast the blanched almonds until they are golden brown and fragrant. Once cooled, grind the almonds in a food processor until they are finely chopped but still have some texture.
2. Mixing Almonds with Sugar and Cinnamon: Combine the ground almonds with powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set this mixture aside, as it will be layered into the Bastilla.

Step 4: Assembling the Bastilla

1. Prepping the Phyllo Dough: On a clean surface, lay out your phyllo dough and cover it with a damp towel to prevent drying out. Brush the first sheet with melted butter and lay it in a greased round pie dish, ensuring that the dough hangs over the sides of the dish. Repeat with about 8-10 sheets, buttering each one.
2. Layering the Fillings:

• Start with the shredded chicken, spreading it evenly over the bottom layer of phyllo.
• Add the scrambled egg mixture over the chicken.
• Finally, sprinkle the almond mixture over the eggs.

1. Sealing the Bastilla: Fold the overhanging phyllo dough back over the filling, and add a few more buttered sheets on top to completely cover the pie. Tuck the edges into the dish to create a sealed, round pie.
2. Baking the Bastilla: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Place the Bastilla in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and crisp.

Step 5: Garnishing and Serving

Once the Bastilla is baked and golden, let it rest for 10 minutes. Dust the top with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This final touch adds a beautiful visual contrast and enhances the flavor.

Serving Suggestion: Bastilla is traditionally served as an appetizer or main dish at special occasions. It pairs wonderfully with a light Moroccan salad or a cup of sweet mint tea.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken Bastilla

• Use fresh spices: The quality of your spices can make or break the flavor of the Bastilla. Use fresh cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric for the most aromatic experience.
• Don’t rush the layering: When working with phyllo dough, patience is key. Be sure to brush each layer with melted butter to achieve the signature flaky crust.
• Make it ahead: Bastilla can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Simply assemble the pie, cover, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake just before your event.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Conclusion: The Essence of Moroccan Cuisine

Moroccan Chicken Bastilla is a dish that highlights the intricacy and depth of Moroccan cuisine. Each layer tells a story—from the savory chicken spiced with saffron and ginger, to the sweet almond mixture and the crispy, buttery phyllo crust. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply exploring new recipes, Bastilla is sure to impress with its bold flavors and stunning presentation.

By following this recipe, you’ll not only master the art of creating this iconic dish but also gain a deeper appreciation for the culinary traditions of Morocco.