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Moroccan Pastilla (B'stilla)

Published: June 1, 2026 Moroccan Cuisine ⏱ 1h 20min
Golden Moroccan pastilla dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon on a decorative plate

Pastilla (also spelled B'stilla or Bastilla) is one of Morocco's most extraordinary dishes — a sweet-and-savory pie that layers spiced, shredded chicken with toasted almonds, eggs, and fragile warqa pastry. Finished with a dusting of powdered sugar and cinnamon, it's a stunning centerpiece for celebrations and special occasions.

Recipe Info

Prep Time45 min
Cook Time35 min
Total Time1h 20min
Servings8
DifficultyHard
CuisineMoroccan

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1 Ingredients

2 Instructions

1

Cook the chicken

In a large pot, combine chicken pieces, onions, garlic, ginger, turmeric, saffron, cinnamon, pepper, salt, parsley, cilantro, butter, and olive oil. Add 1 cup water. Cover and simmer for 40 minutes until chicken is very tender.

2

Shred the chicken

Remove chicken from the pot. Strain the cooking liquid and reserve. Shred the meat, discarding bones and skin.

3

Prepare the egg mixture

Return the cooking liquid to the pot and simmer until reduced by half. Add the beaten eggs and stir continuously over low heat until softly scrambled and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat.

4

Prepare the almonds

Toss the toasted, chopped almonds with orange blossom water and a pinch of cinnamon.

5

Assemble the pastilla

Brush a round baking dish with melted butter. Layer 4 sheets of warqa pastry, overlapping and brushing each with butter. Spread the shredded chicken over the base, then the egg mixture, then the almonds. Fold overhanging pastry inward, then top with remaining 4 sheets, tucking edges under. Brush top generously with melted butter.

6

Bake

Bake at 190°C (375°F) for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy. Dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon before serving.

Pro Tips

  • Warqa pastry is traditional but phyllo dough is an excellent and more accessible substitute.
  • The sweet-savory combination may surprise first-timers — trust the process, it's incredible.
  • Pastilla can be assembled a day ahead and baked just before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories 520 kcal
Protein 30g
Fat 28g
Saturated Fat g
Carbohydrates 38g
Fiber 3g
Sugar g
Sodium 580mg

* Nutritional values are approximate and based on per-serving calculations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pigeon is the traditional filling, but chicken is widely used as a more accessible alternative. Both are authentic.
Assemble and bake the same day. If making ahead, assemble but don't bake — refrigerate, then bake just before serving.
Rating
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 4.2 (84 votes)
Stephanie Grine

About the Author

Stephanie Grine

Recipe Developer & Food Enthusiast

I am a passionate home cook who believes that great food brings people together. Every recipe on TodayFoodsMenu is developed, tested, and photographed in my home kitchen — not a professional test...

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