Pastilla (Moroccan Pigeon Pie) - African Recipe
Pastilla is a traditional Moroccan dish with Andalusian origins, often served at weddings and festive occasions. This savory-sweet pie is a labor of love, showcasing the balance of flavors and textures that define Moroccan cuisine. It's traditionally served in a communal setting, allowing everyone to break off a piece and enjoy together. The pie is made from warqa (a thin pastry similar to phyllo), filled with slow-cooked pigeon, onions, and spices, then topped with a layer of toasted, ground almonds. It's baked until golden and dusted with a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon, creating a delightful contrast between the savory filling and the sweet, crisp pastry.
Ingredients
- 3 pigeons, about 1 kg total Pigeon (Beldi) Pigeon is traditional but can be replaced with chicken if necessary. The bird should be fresh and of high quality.
- 20 sheets Warqa (Moroccan Pastry Sheets) Warqa is a tissue-thin Moroccan pastry. It's available in Middle Eastern or North African markets.
- 200 grams Almonds Toasted and ground. They add a wonderful crunch and sweet, nutty flavor to the pie.
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Pastilla (Moroccan Pigeon Pie)
Updated on 03/23/2025
Pastilla is a traditional Moroccan dish with Andalusian origins, often served at weddings and festive occasions. This savory-sweet pie is a labor of love, showcasing the balance of flavors and textures that define Moroccan cuisine. It's traditionally served in a communal setting, allowing everyone to break off a piece and enjoy together. The pie is made from warqa (a thin pastry similar to phyllo), filled with slow-cooked pigeon, onions, and spices, then topped with a layer of toasted, ground almonds. It's baked until golden and dusted with a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon, creating a delightful contrast between the savory filling and the sweet, crisp pastry.
Ingredients
- 3 pigeons, about 1 kg total Pigeon (Beldi) (Pigeon is traditional but can be replaced with chicken if necessary. The bird should be fresh and of high quality.)
- 20 sheets Warqa (Moroccan Pastry Sheets) (Warqa is a tissue-thin Moroccan pastry. It's available in Middle Eastern or North African markets.)
- 200 grams Almonds (Toasted and ground. They add a wonderful crunch and sweet, nutty flavor to the pie.)
Instructions
No instructions available.
Nutrition Info:
- fat35g
- fiber5g
- sodium400mg
- protein45g
- calories650 calories
- carbohydrates45g