Vegan Pastilla

Vegan Pastilla is a delightful Moroccan-inspired dish that combines the warmth of spices with the sweetness of dried fruits, all wrapped in a crispy phyllo pastry. This plant-based version captures the essence of traditional pastilla while offering a unique twist that is both satisfying and flavorful.

Ingredients

• Phyllo pastry - 6 sheets
• Chickpeas - 200 grams, cooked
• Onion - 1 medium, finely chopped
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Carrot - 1 medium, grated
• Spinach - 100 grams, fresh or frozen
• Almonds - 50 grams, chopped
• Raisins - 30 grams
• Cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Paprika - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
• Pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh parsley - 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add grated carrot, cooked chickpeas, spinach, chopped almonds, raisins, cinnamon, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped parsley and lemon juice. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
5. Place one sheet of phyllo pastry on a clean surface and brush lightly with olive oil. Layer a second sheet on top and brush again. Repeat this process for a total of 3 sheets.
6. Spoon half of the chickpea filling onto the center of the layered phyllo. Fold the sides over the filling, then roll it up to create a log. Place seam-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
7. Repeat the process with the remaining phyllo and filling to create a second pastilla.
8. Brush the tops of the pastillas with any remaining olive oil.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
10. Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then slice and serve warm.

Nutrition

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 12 g
• Carbs: 54 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Water: 0.2 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from chickpeas and almonds, supporting muscle health.
• Contains a variety of vitamins and minerals from vegetables and spices, promoting overall well-being.

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