Fes is one of the most ancient Moroccan cities, renowned for its rich heritage and delicious cuisine. Among the most famous dishes of the Fassi table is the "Fassi Pastilla." This luxurious dish uniquely combines sweet and savory flavors, making it a special choice for feasts and grand occasions.
Preparing Fassi Pastilla
-Ingredients:
500 grams of pastilla dough (or filo pastry)
1 kilogram of chicken (traditional pigeon meat can be used in some regions)
200 grams of fried and ground almonds
4 eggs
2 finely chopped onions
Half a cup of chopped parsley
2 tablespoons of honey
1 tablespoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of saffron
1 teaspoon of ginger
Half a teaspoon of black pepper
3 tablespoons of ghee or butter
Salt to taste
Powdered sugar and cinnamon for garnish
-Method:
1. Preparing the chicken: In a large pot, place the chicken pieces with the chopped onions, parsley, ghee, saffron, ginger, black pepper, and salt. Add two cups of water and let the mixture cook over medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked and absorbs the flavors. Once done, shred the chicken into small pieces.
2. Preparing the eggs: While the chicken is cooking, whisk the eggs in a non-stick pan and cook over low heat, stirring continuously until they are firm.
3. Preparing the almonds: Fry the almonds until golden, then grind them finely and mix with a tablespoon of honey and cinnamon.
4. Assembling the layers:
Grease a baking dish with butter, and place a sheet of pastilla dough at the bottom, leaving the edges hanging over the sides.
Add a layer of the seasoned chicken, followed by a layer of the scrambled eggs, then a layer of the sweetened almonds.
Cover the filling with pastilla dough and fold the edges to seal it completely.
Brush the top with butter and bake in a preheated oven at 180°C until golden and crispy.
5. Serving: When serving the pastilla, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar and cinnamon to add a traditional Fassi touch.
Serving Fassi Pastilla
Fassi Pastilla is not just a dish on the table; it’s an expression of the cultural and historical richness of Moroccan cuisine. It’s served at grand occasions like weddings or major celebrations and often becomes the center of attention. When served, it captures the guests with its golden beauty and aromatic scent, adding a touch of luxury and elegance to the occasion. No guest can forget the experience of Fassi Pastilla, with its unique combination of savory and sweet flavors in perfect harmony.
Pastilla is considered a symbol of the connection between heritage and modern taste, and by preparing and serving it, you can take your guests on a journey through the ancient history of Fes and allow them to experience its unique flavors, reflecting the depth and richness of Moroccan cuisine.
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