Seafood Bastilla: A Delicious and Unique Moroccan Dish
Seafood Bastilla is one of Morocco's most renowned dishes, celebrated for its rich flavors and diverse ingredients.
It is typically served at grand occasions such as weddings and parties.
This dish combines a crispy exterior with a savory and flavorful filling.
Here, we will outline how to prepare seafood bastilla, its texture, suitable occasions for serving, and how to present it.
Ingredients for Seafood Bastilla
1. For the Filling:
500g white fish (such as sea bass or tilapia), cut into small cubes.
250g shrimp, peeled.
250g squid, sliced.
2 medium onions, finely chopped.
3 tablespoons cilantro and parsley, finely chopped.
4 garlic cloves, minced.
2 teaspoons cumin.
1 teaspoon ground ginger.
1 teaspoon paprika.
2 tablespoons lemon juice.
2 tablespoons olive oil.
200g Chinese vermicelli (glass noodles).
Salt and pepper to taste.
2. For the Bastilla:
10-12 bastilla sheets (or filo pastry).
50g melted butter.
100g fried and ground almonds (optional).
Preparation Method
1. Preparing the Filling:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic and sauté until softened.
2. Add the white fish, shrimp, and squid. Season with cumin, ginger, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Stir until the seafood is cooked (about 10 minutes).
3. Stir in the cilantro, parsley, and lemon juice. Mix well.
4. In a separate bowl, soak the Chinese vermicelli in hot water for 10 minutes until soft, then drain and cut into small pieces.
5. Add the vermicelli to the seafood mixture and combine thoroughly
2. Assembling the Bastilla:
1. Grease a round baking dish with butter.
2. Lay a bastilla sheet in the center of the dish, covering the bottom and edges. Brush it with butter. Repeat with several sheets, overlapping them.
3. Evenly spread the filling in the center.
4. Fold the edges of the sheets over the filling to enclose it.
Use extra sheets if needed to cover the bastilla completely, brushing each layer with butter.
5. Brush the final layer with butter for a golden, crispy finish when baked.
3. Baking the Bastilla:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Place the bastilla in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the surface is golden and crispy.
Bastilla Texture
Exterior: A crispy, golden layer thanks to the pastry sheets and butter.
Interior: A soft, flavorful filling that blends the seafood, shrimp, and spices with the delicate texture of the vermicelli.
Occasions for Serving Seafood Bastilla
Seafood bastilla is a luxurious dish, perfect for special occasions like weddings, holidays, and family gatherings.
It can be served as a main dish alongside a Moroccan salad or harira soup.
How to Serve
1. Optionally, sprinkle some ground almonds on top for added texture and flavor.
2. Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges for a refreshing touch.
Tip: You can prepare the bastilla in advance and refrigerate it before baking to save time on the day of the event.
Enjoy one of Morocco's most exquisite and iconic dishes that will impress everyone!
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