Vegetarian Moroccan Pastilla
Transport yourself to the bustling streets of Marrakech with this delightful Vegetarian Moroccan Pastilla recipe. A traditional dish filled with warmth and flavor, pastilla is a savory pie encased in layers of delicate phyllo dough. This vegetarian twist on the classic recipe replaces the traditional meat filling with a delicious medley of veggies and aromatic spices, creating a dish that is both satisfying and wholesome. Perfect for a special dinner party or a cozy family meal, this Vegetarian Moroccan Pastilla is sure to impress your guests with its exotic flavors and impressive presentation.
Ingredients:
– 1 package of phyllo dough, thawed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 small eggplant, diced
– 1 zucchini, diced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup raisins
– 1/4 cup chopped almonds
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a round baking dish with olive oil and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the diced eggplant, zucchini, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the ground cumin, cinnamon, ginger, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Let the spices toast for a minute until fragrant.
5. Add the raisins, chopped almonds, and fresh parsley to the vegetable mixture. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
6. Lay one sheet of phyllo dough in the prepared baking dish, making sure it hangs over the edges. Brush the phyllo sheet lightly with olive oil.
7. Continue layering the phyllo sheets one at a time, brushing each sheet with olive oil, until you have used half of the phyllo dough.
8. Spread the vegetable filling evenly over the phyllo layers in the baking dish.
9. Fold the overhanging phyllo dough over the top of the filling to enclose it.
10. Layer the remaining phyllo sheets over the top of the pastilla, brushing each sheet with olive oil.
11. Tuck any excess phyllo dough into the sides of the dish to create a neat edge.
12. Bake the pastilla in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden and crisp.
13. Remove the pastilla from the oven and let it cool slightly before dusting with powdered sugar.
14. Slice the pastilla into wedges and serve warm. Enjoy the flavors of Morocco in every delicious bite!
Immerse yourself in the rich culinary heritage of Morocco with this Vegetarian Moroccan Pastilla. Packed with fragrant spices, wholesome vegetables, and crunchy phyllo dough, this dish is a true delight for the senses. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat your family to a special meal, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your repertoire. Bon appétit!
