Delicious and exotic, Moroccan cuisine never fails to captivate with its blend of spices and flavors. One of the most cherished dishes in Morocco is the traditional Pastilla, a savory pie typically made with meat. In this vegetarian twist on the classic recipe, we will show you how to create a sumptuous Vegetarian Pastilla that brings together a fragrant mix of spices and textures in every bite. Perfect for a special occasion or a cozy meal at home, this Moroccan-inspired dish is sure to impress your family and friends.
**Vegetarian Pastilla Moroccan Pie**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 pack of phyllo dough
– 2 cups of cooked lentils
– 1 large onion, finely chopped
– 1 cup of mixed nuts (almonds, pistachios, and walnuts), chopped
– 1/2 cup of raisins
– 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground turmeric
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for brushing
– Powdered sugar and cinnamon for dusting
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a round baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the cooked lentils to the skillet and stir well to combine with the onions. Season with ground cinnamon, cumin, ginger, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Mix in the chopped nuts and raisins, stirring gently so everything is evenly distributed. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Take a sheet of phyllo dough and place it in the greased baking dish, letting the edges hang over the sides. Brush the sheet with olive oil. Repeat this process, layering more sheets of phyllo dough and brushing each layer with oil until you have used about half of the pack.
6. Spread the lentil and nut mixture evenly over the layers of phyllo dough in the baking dish.
7. Continue layering the remaining phyllo dough sheets, brushing each with olive oil as before. Fold the overhanging edges of the dough over the top layer to enclose the filling, creating a neat package.
8. Brush the top layer with more olive oil to ensure a crispy and golden finish.
9. Using a sharp knife, carefully score the top of the pie into diamond or square shapes, being careful not to cut all the way through the layers.
10. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden and crisp.
11. Once cooked, remove the Vegetarian Pastilla from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Before serving, dust the top with a mixture of powdered sugar and cinnamon for a touch of sweetness and extra flavor.
Enjoy this exquisite Vegetarian Pastilla Moroccan Pie as a main course or a delightful appetizer at your next gathering. The combination of aromatic spices, hearty lentils, and crunchy nuts wrapped in flaky phyllo dough is a true taste sensation that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Morocco with every bite.
