Seafood Pastilla – Authentic Moroccan Recipe with Flaky Phyllo & Spiced Seafood

Seafood Pastilla

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Seafood Pastilla – A Crispy & Flavorful Moroccan Specialty 🥧🦐🐟

If you’re looking for a crispy, savory, and flavor-packed Moroccan dish, Seafood Pastilla is the perfect choice! This golden, flaky pastry is filled with a delicate mix of white fish, shrimp, calamari, and aromatic spices, offering a uniqhttpsue blend of sweet and savory flavors. Traditionally, pastilla (or bastilla) was made with pigeon or chicken; however, modern variations, like this seafood version, bring a delicious coastal twist.

Moreover, this dish is widely enjoyed during celebrations, including weddings, Ramadan, and family gatherings. Its buttery, crisp phyllo layers combined with a rich seafood filling make it a true showstopper.

For an authentic Moroccan meal, pair this dish with a refreshing cup of Moroccan Mint Tea or start your meal with Seafood Mkila, another seafood-based Moroccan favorite.

Additionally, to achieve the best results, it’s important to use the right pastry. You can learn how to work with phyllo dough for Moroccan dishes to ensure a perfectly crispy texture. Furthermore, the quality of seafood makes a huge difference—check out this guide to selecting fresh seafood for expert tips.

Why This Moroccan Fish Pastilla Stands Out

Perfect balance of flavors – The sweet and savory contrast is truly one of a kind.
Crispy and buttery – Golden layers of phyllo pastry wrap the flavorful seafood mix.
Great for special occasions – A must-have dish for Moroccan celebrations.
Rich in protein and nutrients – Loaded with fresh seafood, healthy fats, and fiber.

Essential Ingredients for a Traditional Moroccan Seafood Pie

🦐 Fresh Seafood for the Filling

  • 250g white fish fillets (cod, sea bass, or haddock)
  • 200g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 150g calamari (sliced into rings)
  • 100g mussels or clams (optional but highly recommended for depth of flavor)

🧄 Spices & Aromatic Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ tsp ginger powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt & black pepper (to taste)
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley & cilantro, finely chopped
  • ½ cup vermicelli noodles, soaked and chopped

🥧 Perfecting the Crispy Moroccan Pastry

  • 6-8 sheets phyllo dough (or warqa, the traditional Moroccan pastry)
  • 1 egg yolk (for sealing the pastry)
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted
  • 1 tbsp honey (for a light glaze, optional)
  • 1 tsp sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Guide to Making the Best Moroccan Pastilla

1️⃣ Cooking the Seafood Mixture for Pastilla

  1. First, heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
  2. Then, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
  3. After that, add white fish, shrimp, calamari, and mussels, stirring occasionally for 5–7 minutes.
  4. Next, season with paprika, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Stir in chopped parsley, cilantro, and soaked vermicelli noodles, ensuring all flavors are well combined.
  6. Finally, remove from heat and let the mixture cool before assembling the pastilla.

🔗 For another delicious seafood option, try Best Fish Tacos Recipe, a perfect way to enjoy crispy fish in a different style!

2️⃣ Assembling the Moroccan-Style Seafood Pie

  1. First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Meanwhile, lay phyllo sheets on a baking tray, brushing each layer with melted butter.
  3. Then, spoon the seafood filling into the center and fold the edges over to enclose it.
  4. Lastly, brush with egg yolk for a crispy golden crust.

3️⃣ Baking & Garnishing for the Perfect Finish

  1. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the pastilla turns golden brown.
  2. Once baked, lightly brush with honey and sprinkle with sesame seeds.
  3. Serve warm with a side of harissa sauce or a fresh lemon wedge.

🔗 Pair with a comforting Warm Lentil & Roasted Pumpkin Salad for a balanced Moroccan meal.

Storage & Reheating Tips for Maximum Freshness

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
  • Freezing Option – Wrap unbaked pastilla in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts – Why Moroccan Seafood Pastilla Deserves a Spot on Your Table!

If you love Moroccan cuisine, this Seafood Pastilla is a must-try! It combines crisp, buttery pastry with a rich, spiced seafood filling, creating a dish that’s both elegant and comforting. Whether you’re preparing it for a festive dinner, Ramadan, or a weekend indulgence, this pastilla is guaranteed to impress.

🔗 For a sweet Moroccan treat, try Gazelle Horns (Kaab el Ghazal), a traditional almond-filled pastry.

Have you ever tried pastilla before? Let me know your thoughts in the comments! 🥧🦐✨

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