Here’s a recipe for Chicken & Almonds Pastilla, a traditional Moroccan dish that combines savory and sweet flavors in a flaky pastry.
- Total Time: 2 Hours 30 minutes
*30 mins prep / 2 hours cook
- Dish For 6 People
INGREDIENTS:
For the Chicken Filling:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into pieces
- 2 large onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 6 large eggs
- Salt to taste
For the Almond Mixture:
- 1 cup blanched almonds
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon orange blossom water
For the Assembly:
- 1 package phyllo dough, thawed
- 1 cup melted butter
- 1 egg yolk, beaten
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for dusting)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Prepare the Chicken Filling:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the chicken pieces, chopped onions, and minced garlic. Cook until the onions are soft and the chicken is browned.
- Add the ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground turmeric, ground coriander, ground cumin, ground black pepper, and saffron threads. Stir well to coat the chicken with the spices.
- Add the chopped parsley and cilantro, and pour in the chicken broth.
- Cover and simmer on low heat for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Remove the chicken pieces and set aside to cool. Once cool, shred the chicken, discarding the bones and skin.
- Continue to simmer the sauce until it reduces and thickens. Beat the eggs and stir them into the sauce, cooking until they form a thick, custard-like mixture. Mix in the shredded chicken and season with salt. Set aside to cool.
2. Prepare the Almond Mixture:
- Toast the blanched almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Allow them to cool.
- Grind the almonds coarsely in a food processor.
- Mix the ground almonds with the powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and orange blossom water. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Pastilla:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a large round baking dish or a springform pan.
- Layer several sheets of phyllo dough in the bottom of the dish, brushing each layer generously with melted butter. Allow the excess phyllo to hang over the edges of the dish.
- Spread half of the chicken mixture evenly over the phyllo.
- Sprinkle half of the almond mixture over the chicken.
- Fold the overhanging phyllo dough over the filling to enclose it.
- Repeat the layering process with more phyllo sheets, brushing each with melted butter, and add the remaining chicken and almond mixtures.
- Fold the overhanging phyllo dough over the top of the filling. Add a few more buttered phyllo sheets on top, tucking the edges into the sides of the dish to seal the pastilla completely.
- Brush the top with the beaten egg yolk.
4. Bake the Pastilla:
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before removing from the pan.
5. Serve:
- Dust the top of the pastilla with powdered sugar and ground cinnamon before serving.
Enjoy your Chicken & Almonds Pastilla, a delightful combination of savory and sweet flavors wrapped in crispy phyllo pastry!
Almond Benefits: Nutritional Content and Health Advantages
Almonds: A Nutritional Powerhouse with Remarkable Health Benefits
Almonds, a popular tree nut, are not just a tasty snack but also a nutritional powerhouse packed with essential nutrients and offering a range of potential health benefits. Let's delve into the nutritional profile and potential health advantages of incorporating almonds into your diet.
Nutritional Content:
Almonds are a rich source of various nutrients, including:
- Antioxidants: Almonds are a good source of antioxidants, including vitamin E, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. These antioxidants help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are linked to various diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and aging.
- Vitamin E: Almonds are a high source of vitamin E, an antioxidant that plays a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative damage.
- Magnesium and Manganese: Almonds are a good source of magnesium and manganese. Magnesium is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including energy production, protein synthesis, cell signaling, and bone health. Manganese is essential for carbohydrate, amino acid, and cholesterol metabolism.
Potential Health Benefits:
Research suggests that almonds may offer several potential health benefits, including:
- Reduced Risk of Heart Disease: Studies indicate that almonds may help reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol, increasing HDL (good) cholesterol, and improving blood pressure.
- Lower Cholesterol Levels: Almonds may help lower overall cholesterol levels, including LDL (bad) cholesterol, due to their content of unsaturated fats, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Reduced Cancer Risk: Some studies suggest that almond consumption may be associated with a lower risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer. This may be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of almonds.
- Weight Management Support: Almonds may aid in weight management due to their high protein and fiber content, which can promote satiety and reduce overall calorie intake.
- Improved Bone Health: Almonds are a good source of magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium, which are essential for bone health. Magnesium helps regulate calcium and vitamin D levels, while phosphorus is a major component of bone minerals. Calcium is crucial for bone formation and maintenance.
- Enhanced Brain Function: Almonds contain vitamin E and antioxidants, which may help protect brain cells from damage and improve cognitive function. Additionally, almonds are a good source of magnesium, which is involved in nerve signaling and may play a role in reducing the risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.
- Blood Sugar Control: Almonds may help regulate blood sugar levels due to their fiber content, which slows down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
- Reduced Inflammation: Almonds contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation in the body, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases associated with chronic inflammation.
Additional Notes:
- While almonds offer a range of potential health benefits, it's important to consume them in moderation as they are high in calories.
- A handful of almonds (about 23 almonds) is considered a healthy serving size.
- Almonds can be enjoyed in various ways, such as raw, roasted, salted, or incorporated into trail mixes, salads, or baked goods.
- When selecting almonds, choose whole, unbleached, and unsalted varieties for optimal health benefits.
- Consult a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or using almonds as a treatment for any health condition.
Almonds are a nutritious and versatile food that can be a valuable addition to a healthy diet. Their rich nutrient profile and potential health benefits make them a compelling choice for those seeking to enhance their overall well-being.
