Here’s a traditional recipe for Moroccan Chicken Pastilla with Almonds and Cinnamon:
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 kg chicken (preferably thighs)
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 small bunch of fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp saffron threads (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 cup roasted almonds, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp powdered sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for almonds)
For the Pastry:
- 8-10 sheets of warqa (or filo pastry as a substitute)
- 100 g melted butter
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar
- Ground cinnamon
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken Filling:
- Heat oil in a large pot. Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
- Add chicken pieces, spices (ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, saffron), parsley, and cilantro. Mix well.
- Cover with water and cook on medium heat until the chicken is tender (30-40 minutes).
- Remove the chicken, shred it into small pieces, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce and Eggs:
- Reduce the liquid left in the pot until thick.
- Beat the eggs and slowly stir them into the reduced sauce until they form a creamy texture. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Almond Mixture:
- Mix roasted almonds, powdered sugar, and ground cinnamon in a bowl.
4. Assemble the Pastilla:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Butter a round baking dish. Place layers of warqa (or filo pastry), overlapping them, with enough overhang to fold over the filling. Brush each sheet with melted butter.
- Layer the chicken, egg sauce, and almond mixture inside the pastry.
- Fold the overhanging pastry over the filling, sealing it well. Add an extra sheet or two of pastry on top for reinforcement. Brush with more butter.
5. Bake the Pastilla:
- Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle powdered sugar and ground cinnamon on top. Serve warm.
Enjoy your authentic Moroccan pastilla! Let me know if you need further help.
