Bstila – moroccan chicken/nut pie
Bstila is a stunning Moroccan dish that balances savory depth with subtle sweetness. This version features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich broth infused with saffron, cinnamon, and fresh herbs like parsley and coriander. The filling is bound with beaten eggs for a creamy, custard-like texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, buttery layers of phyllo dough. Traditionally baked until golden and crisp, the pie offers a delightful crunch with every bite, revealing the aromatic, spiced chicken within. It is an impressive centerpiece for dinner parties or a comforting, elegant meal for family gatherings. The combination of warm spices and fresh herbs creates a complex flavor profile that is both familiar and exotic, making it a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire.
Description
Bstila is a stunning Moroccan dish that balances savory depth with subtle sweetness. This version features tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich broth infused with saffron, cinnamon, and fresh herbs like parsley and coriander. The filling is bound with beaten eggs for a creamy, custard-like texture that contrasts beautifully with the crisp, buttery layers of phyllo dough. Traditionally baked until golden and crisp, the pie offers a delightful crunch with every bite, revealing the aromatic, spiced chicken within. It is an impressive centerpiece for dinner parties or a comforting, elegant meal for family gatherings. The combination of warm spices and fresh herbs creates a complex flavor profile that is both familiar and exotic, making it a memorable addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp clarified butter
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1 medium onion, minced
- 1/2 chicken meat (about 2 boneless breasts), cut into small pieces
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 pinch saffron (or 1/2 tsp turmeric)
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 3/4 cup minced parsley
- 1/4 cup minced coriander (cilantro)
- to taste salt
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 lb melted butter
- as needed phyllo sheets
Directions
- 1 Heat 1 tbsp clarified butter and 1/3 cup butter in a large heavy pot over medium heat. Add the minced onion and sauté for a few minutes until softened.
- 2
Add the chicken pieces, pepper, saffron (or turmeric), cinnamon, parsley, coriander, and salt to taste. Sauté briefly to coat the chicken in spices.- 3
Add enough liquid (chicken stock or water) to cover the chicken partially. Cover and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 20-30 minutes.- 4
Beat 2 eggs and slowly stir them into the hot chicken mixture, stirring constantly to create a thickened, custard-like sauce. Remove from heat.- 5
Prepare a shallow baking pan, such as an 8-inch skillet. Cut phyllo sheets into rectangles approximately the width of the pan and twice as long.- 6
Brush one phyllo sheet with melted butter and place it in the bottom of the pan, with excess dough hanging over the edges. Repeat with 4 more sheets, angling each one slightly differently to fully cover the bottom and create a rim of overhanging dough.- 7
Pour the chicken and egg mixture into the prepared pan.- 8
Layer several more buttered phyllo sheets over the chicken filling, brushing each layer with melted butter. Do not let these top layers overlap the edge of the pan.- 9
Fold the overhanging phyllo edges from the bottom layer up and over the top layers to enclose the filling, tucking them in neatly. Brush the top generously with remaining melted butter.- 10
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp. Let cool slightly before serving.NoteFor best results, keep unused phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying out while assembling the pie.
Traditional Bstila often includes almonds and is dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. You can add toasted, slivered almonds to the filling for authenticity.
Phyllo dough can be tricky to work with; keep it covered and work quickly to avoid it becoming brittle.
This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it a great option for potlucks.
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