Step-by-Step Guide to Making

Traditional Chicken and Almond Pastilla

Introduction to Pastilla

Pastilla, a traditional Moroccan dish, is an exquisite combination of flavors and textures that has captivated food lovers worldwide. Known for its flaky pastry and rich filling, pastilla often features pigeon, but chicken is a popular alternative for those who prefer a more accessible protein. In this guide, we will explore how to make pastilla with chicken and almonds, allowing you to create this delightful Moroccan classic in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients You'll Need

To prepare chicken pastilla, several fresh ingredients are required

-10 pastilla sheets

To prepare the chicken:

1- whole chicken, washed well and cut into pieces

1- cup mixed between olive oil and cooking oil

2- finely chopped onions

-Spices (salt, black pepper, ginger, turmeric, ground coriander seeds, saffron threads) A teaspoon full of each

Almond filling:

- 500g boiled almond

- Oil for frying

1/2- cup of orange blossom water

1- tablespoon of cinnamon

1- tablespoon of caster sugar

Onion filling:

1- kilo of finely chopped onions

1- teaspoon of turmeric

1- teaspoon of ginger

1- teaspoon of ground coriander seeds

1- tablespoon of cinnamon

2 - tablespoons of granulated sugar or honey

1- tablespoon of chopped parsley

4- beaten eggs

2 -tablespoons of oil

For decoration:

--Powdered sugar, cinnamon and roasted almonds

These ingredients will form the basis of the Pastilla, ensuring its authentic taste

Step-by-Step Preparation

To prepare the chicken and almond pastilla, follow these simple steps:

1: Prepare the almonds:

Take the almonds and put them in very hot water and leave them until they cool completely, then peel them and leave them until they dry completely

Fry the almonds in oil until they turn brown, then place them on absorbent paper to dry from the oil

Mash them a little and add orange blossom water, cinnamon and powdered sugar and mix them well with your hands and set aside

2- Cook the chicken:

In a large pot, heat the olive oil and table oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and stir until translucent. Then add the chicken pieces, salt, pepper, ginger, turmeric, ground coriander seeds and saffron threads. Cook until the chicken is golden brown

Add water: Pour enough water to cover the chicken and leave it to boil. Reduce the heat and leave it on low heat until the chicken is fully cooked, stirring from time to time.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and leave the broth aside. Remove the skin and bones from the chicken and cut it into small pieces with your hand like threads.

3 - Cook the onions:

Peel the onions, cut them into slices and add them to the remaining chicken broth. Add the spices (turmeric, ginger, ground coriander and oil) and leave it to cook and dry from the water. Then add cinnamon, sugar or honey and chopped parsley and stir everything. Then add the beaten eggs and mix them well until they disappear in the onions. Turn off the heat and leave them to cool.

Method :

In a special oven dish, take the pastilla sheets and place them in the shape of circles. Place two sheets in the middle so that they do not tear. Between each sheet, brush them with egg and stick them together. Sprinkle them in the middle with a little powdered sugar. Place the onion and egg filling in the first layer and add the chicken filling. Finally, Add the almond mixture and place another sheet of pastilla, gather the edges and wrap them to form a large circle. Finally, brush with egg and prick with toothpicks.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).

Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown. Cover with foil for the last five minutes to prevent over-browning.

Serving:

Remove from the oven, brush the edges with honey and sprinkle with crushed almonds. Sprinkle the center with powdered sugar and cinnamon strips before cutting. Serve warm, accompanied by aromatic Moroccan mint tea for a complete experience.

Making pastilla at home can be a rewarding culinary adventure, showcasing the complex flavors of Moroccan cuisine. With its unique sweet and salty combination of chicken and almonds wrapped in crispy pastry, this dish offers a taste of Moroccan tradition that is sure to impress family and friends

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