Chicken Bastilla

Chicken Bastilla is a traditional Moroccan dish that combines savory and sweet flavors in a flaky pastry filled with spiced chicken, almonds, and eggs. This high-protein lunch option is both delightful and nourishing, perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• Chicken thighs - 300 grams, boneless and skinless
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Ground ginger - 1 teaspoon
• Turmeric - 1/2 teaspoon
• Cumin - 1/2 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Eggs - 2, beaten
• Almonds - 50 grams, slivered and toasted
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Phyllo pastry - 6 sheets
• Butter - 50 grams, melted
• Powdered sugar - for dusting (optional)

Steps

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and season with cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes until the chicken is browned.
3. Add a splash of water, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
4. Once cooled, shred the chicken into small pieces and stir in the beaten eggs, toasted almonds, parsley, and cilantro until well combined.
5. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
6. Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface and brush with melted butter. Layer two more sheets, brushing each with butter.
7. Spoon half of the chicken mixture onto the center of the pastry. Fold the edges over the filling to form a square parcel. Repeat with the remaining phyllo sheets and filling.
8. Place the bastilla parcels onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with remaining melted butter.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 35 g
• Carbs: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 160 mg
• Total Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil and almonds, promoting heart health.

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