Description

A traditional Moroccan pie with layers of spiced chicken, eggs, ground almonds, and herbs, all wrapped in crisp phyllo dough and topped with cinnamon and powdered sugar. A unique savory-sweet dish often served on festive occasions.

Ingredients

Units Scale

2 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1.5 lb (700g) boneless chicken thighs or breast, cut into chunks
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp turmeric
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 eggs
1/2 cup ground almonds
1 tbsp orange blossom water (optional)
6–8 sheets of phyllo dough
1/4 cup melted butter
2 tbsp powdered sugar (for topping)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (for topping)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté onions and garlic until softened.
Add chicken, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is fully cooked and tender, about 15–20 minutes.
Remove chicken, shred it, and set aside.
Reduce sauce in the pan slightly, then whisk in beaten eggs to create a creamy mixture.
Return shredded chicken to the pan and mix well with parsley, cilantro, and orange blossom water. Let cool.
In a bowl, mix ground almonds with 1 tbsp of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a round baking dish or pie pan.
Layer 3 sheets of phyllo in the dish, brushing each with butter and letting excess hang over the sides.
Add a layer of chicken-egg mixture, then a layer of almond mixture.
Fold overhanging phyllo over the top, and add 2 more buttered phyllo sheets to seal.
Brush top with butter. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden and crisp.
Let cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon before slicing.

Notes

Use fresh phyllo dough or thaw frozen dough overnight in the fridge.
Orange blossom water adds authentic aroma but can be omitted.
Pastilla can be made ahead and reheated in the oven.
Serve with a side salad or mint tea for a full Moroccan experience.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 420
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 23g
Cholesterol: 165mg