In brief
- Chicken Pastilla: a sweet-and-savoury Moroccan crispy pie
- Origin: Morocco
- Essential ingredients: 1 whole chicken, brick pastry, 200 g blanched almonds, 4 eggs, 3 onions
- A shared dish, central to family meals and ceremonies.
Origins and cultural history of Chicken Pastilla
Chicken Pastilla takes its roots in Morocco. Chicken pastilla (or bastilla) is a royal dish of Moroccan cuisine. A crispy pie that beautifully marries sweet and savoury: spiced chicken, roasted almonds, scrambled eggs, all wrapped in brick pastry and dusted with icing sugar and cinnamon. It is an integral part of the local culinary heritage and continues to be passed down from generation to generation, from family kitchens to the tables of Afro-Caribbean diaspora restaurants in France.
Its preparation brings the family together around traditional flavours and embodies a moment of sharing and conviviality.
What are the essential ingredients of Chicken Pastilla
The preparation of Chicken Pastilla relies on a few essential ingredients found in most African and Caribbean online grocery stores, including NKOSI.
- 1 whole chicken
- brick pastry
- 200 g blanched almonds
- 4 eggs
- 3 onions
Nutritional benefits of Chicken Pastilla
Chicken Pastilla provides several interesting nutrients: proteins, fibre, minerals and vitamins depending on the ingredients used. It is a balanced dish rooted in the healthy culinary tradition of Africa and the Caribbean.
Frequently asked questions about Chicken Pastilla
Can Chicken Pastilla be prepared the day before?
Yes, Chicken Pastilla can be prepared the day before and reheated the next day over low heat. Resting allows the flavours to intensify.
How can Chicken Pastilla be adapted for vegetarians or children?
You can adapt the recipe by replacing the meat with smoked tofu or vegetables, and reduce the chilli for children.
Where to find the ingredients for Chicken Pastilla in France?
NKOSI offers the essential ingredients through its online shop nkosiagro.com, with fast delivery in mainland France.
Find them in the NKOSI shop
- Chicken Stock JUMBO - Halal African Cube - 1kg
- Sweetened Condensed Milk NESTLÉ - Dairy Product - 400g
- Blanched Almonds PROFRUIT - Dried Fruit - 250g
And for more flavours, browse our NKOSI catalogue — African and Caribbean grocery online.
