Seafood Pastilla is a traditional Moroccan dish that features a flaky pastry filled with a savory mixture of seafood, spices, and herbs. This delightful dish is often served as an appetizer or main course and is known for its unique combination of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 lb mixed seafood (shrimp, mussels, and fish, cleaned and chopped)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Pastry:

• 8 sheets of phyllo dough (or warqa if available)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup almonds (blanched and sliced, for garnish)
• Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
• Cinnamon (for dusting, optional)

Timing

Making Seafood Pastilla takes about 30 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

1. Sauté Onions: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
2. Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add Seafood: Add the mixed seafood to the skillet and cook until just opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, cilantro, and lemon juice. Let the filling cool.

Step 2: Assemble the Pastilla

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare Phyllo Dough: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and brush it lightly with melted butter. Layer another sheet on top and brush with more butter. Repeat this process until you have 4 layers.
3. Add Filling: Place a portion of the seafood filling in the center of the layered phyllo dough.
4. Fold Pastry: Fold the edges of the phyllo over the filling to create a square or rectangle, brushing the edges with butter to seal. Flip the pastilla over so the seam side is down.
5. Repeat: Repeat the process with the remaining phyllo dough and filling.

Step 3: Bake the Pastilla

1. Brush with Butter: Brush the top of each pastilla with melted butter and sprinkle with sliced almonds.
2. Bake: Place the pastillas on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Dust with powdered sugar and cinnamon if desired.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your delicious seafood pastilla!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Seafood Pastilla (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	20g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	25g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	1g

Tips for Customization

• Variety of Seafood: Use your favorite seafood or whatever is fresh and available, such as crab or scallops.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute seafood with a mixture of sautéed vegetables and nuts for a vegetarian version.
• Spice It Up: Adjust the level of cayenne pepper or add harissa for extra heat.

Conclusion

Seafood Pastilla is a delicious and elegant dish that brings together a variety of seafood and spices, all wrapped in flaky pastry. Perfect for special occasions or gatherings, this dish is sure to impress your guests with its rich flavors and beautiful presentation. Enjoy this delightful recipe!