Pigeon Pastilla

Pigeon Pastilla is a traditional Moroccan dish that combines the rich flavors of spiced pigeon meat with the delicate sweetness of almonds and cinnamon, all encased in a flaky pastry. This high-protein lunch option is both satisfying and aromatic, making it a unique culinary experience.

Ingredients

• Pigeon - 2 whole, cleaned and dressed (about 600g total)
• 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
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Fresh cilantro - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Almonds - 100g, blanched and finely chopped
• Eggs - 2 large
• Phyllo pastry - 6 sheets
• Butter - 50g, melted
• Confectioners' sugar - for dusting
• Ground cinnamon - for dusting

Steps

1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
2. Add the pigeons, salt, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and turmeric. Cook for about 5 minutes, then add enough water to cover the pigeons. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes, until the meat is tender.
3. Remove the pigeons from the pot and let cool. Reserve the cooking liquid.
4. Debone the pigeons, shredding the meat into small pieces. In a bowl, mix the pigeon meat with chopped parsley, cilantro, and chopped almonds.
5. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and stir them into the pigeon mixture. Add a few tablespoons of the reserved cooking liquid to moisten the mixture if needed.
6. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
7. Lay one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface, brush with melted butter, and layer another sheet on top. Repeat with two more sheets.
8. Place a portion of the pigeon filling in the center of the pastry. Fold the edges over the filling to form a parcel, ensuring it is sealed well.
9. Repeat with the remaining pastry and filling. Place the pastillas on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
10. Brush the top of each pastilla with melted butter and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Once baked, remove from the oven and dust with confectioners' sugar and ground cinnamon before serving.

Nutrition

• Calories: 570
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbs: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Cholesterol: 250 mg
• Total Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Water: 0.3 L

Health Benefits

• High in protein, supporting muscle health and satiety.
• Contains healthy fats from olive oil and almonds, beneficial for heart health.

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