Bastilla — Moroccan Pie
Halal CertifiedFestiveTraditional

Bastilla — Moroccan Pie

بسطيلة

4.9(891 reviews)
180m total
Fes
ADVANCED

About This Dish

The crown jewel of Moroccan cuisine — crispy warqa pastry encasing spiced chicken, caramelised almonds and eggs, dusted with cinnamon and powdered sugar in a legendary sweet-savoury contrast.

Cultural Heritage

History & Origins

Bastilla (also spelled Pastilla or B'stilla) is considered the most sophisticated dish in Moroccan gastronomy. Its origins trace to Andalusian refugees who fled Spain during the Reconquista in 1492 and settled in Fes, bringing with them their refined cooking traditions. The dish's signature sweet-savoury contrast — spiced pigeon or chicken with almonds and powdered sugar dusted on crispy warqa pastry — is pure Andalusian-Moorish fusion. It was traditionally made with squab (young pigeon), a delicacy reserved for royal banquets and wedding celebrations. Today it is a cornerstone of Moroccan hospitality, always served to honoured guests.

What You Need

Ingredients

500g warqa (or filo) pastry sheets
1 whole chicken, poached & shredded
200g blanched almonds, fried in butter
6 eggs, beaten into the chicken broth
3 onions, caramelised with saffron
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
Pinch of saffron
2 tbsp butter, melted
Powdered sugar & cinnamon for dusting

Pro Tips

Chef's Secrets

1Warqa pastry is thinner than filo — if substituting, use 3 layers of filo brushed with butter.
2Cook the chicken filling until completely dry — any moisture will make the pastry soggy.
3Toast the almonds in butter, not oil, for a richer flavour.
4The powdered sugar and cinnamon dusting on top should form a decorative lattice pattern.
5Bastilla must be served immediately after baking — it loses its crunch within 20 minutes.

Regional Variations

Types & Variants

Bastilla with Pigeon — the original royal version from Fes

Bastilla with Chicken — the most common modern version

Bastilla with Seafood (Hout) — from Casablanca and Essaouira, no sugar topping

Bastilla with Milk (Balouza) — a sweet dessert version with cream and almonds

Mini Bastilla (Briouats) — bite-sized versions served as appetisers

Where It Comes From

Origin Region — Fes, Morocco

Fes, Morocco

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

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Quick Facts

Prep Time
60 min
Cook Time
120 min
Servings
8 people
Difficulty
Advanced
Origin
Fes, Morocco
Rating
4.9 / 5.0
Reviews
891

Nutrition

Per serving (approximate)

580kcal

Calories

32g

Protein

48g

Carbs

28g

Fat

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