Bastilla au Pigeon

Bastilla au Pigeon is a traditional Moroccan dish that beautifully combines sweet and savory flavors, featuring tender pigeon meat encased in flaky pastry and spiced with cinnamon and almonds. This aromatic pie is often served on special occasions, offering a delightful culinary experience that is both comforting and exotic.

Ingredients

• Pigeon - 2 whole (about 500g each)
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Cinnamon powder - 1 teaspoon
• Ginger powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Almonds - 100g, toasted and chopped
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Eggs - 2, beaten
• Phyllo pastry - 8 sheets
• Powdered sugar - for dusting
• Cinnamon - for dusting

Steps

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat and sauté the chopped onions until translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and spices (cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cumin, salt, and black pepper) and cook for another 2 minutes.
3. Add the pigeons to the pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the meat is tender.
4. Once cooked, remove the pigeons from the pot and let them cool. Reserve the cooking liquid.
5. Debone the pigeons and shred the meat. Mix the shredded meat with chopped almonds and parsley.
6. Stir in the beaten eggs and a few tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid to bind the mixture.
7. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
8. Lay out 4 sheets of phyllo pastry, brushing each sheet lightly with olive oil. Place the pigeon mixture in the center and fold the pastry over to form a parcel.
9. Flip the parcel over and place it seam-side down on a baking tray. Repeat with the remaining phyllo and filling.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Once baked, dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 40 g
• Carbs: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Cholesterol: 150 mg
• Total Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein which supports muscle health.
• Contains essential fatty acids from almonds that promote heart health.

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