
Bastilla — Moroccan Pie
بسطيلة
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
Pro Tips
Chef's Secrets
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
Ready to Cook?
Get the full step-by-step recipe with exact measurements and chef's secrets.
Full RecipeFree • No signup required
Quick Facts
Nutrition
Per serving (approximate)
580kcal
Calories
32g
Protein
48g
Carbs
28g
Fat



