Discover the exquisite flavors of Moroccan cuisine with our Seafood Bastilla recipe. This festive Moroccan dish combines a savory seafood filling with flaky phyllo pastry, creating a sweet and savory pastry that’s perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Seafood Filling:
- 2 lbs. fresh medium shrimp, shelled and deveined
- 1 lb. fresh calamari, cleaned and cut into rings
- 1 lb. firm white fish (e.g., swordfish), cut into fillets
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tomato Sauce:
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, seeded and grated
- 3 large cloves garlic, pressed
- 1 large handful fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
Vermicelli Filling:
- 6 to 7 oz. Chinese vermicelli (bean thread or rice vermicelli)
- 1 large handful dry black mushrooms (wood ear mushrooms)
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or to taste
- Prepared tomato sauce (from above)
- Reserved liquids from cooking the seafood
Assembly:
- 1 lb. phyllo pastry sheets
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 egg yolk, lightly beaten
- 1 cup grated cheese (Edam, Mild Cheddar, Gouda, etc.) – optional
Garnish:
- 1/2 cup grated cheese – optional
- Cooked shrimp in the shell – optional
- Parsley sprigs – optional
Step-by-Step Preparation
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
- In a small pot, combine grated tomatoes, garlic, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add chopped parsley, remove from heat, and set aside.
- Cook the Seafood:
- Melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large non-stick skillet.
- Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté over medium-high heat until just cooked.
- Remove shrimp, set aside, and reserve the cooking liquids.
- Repeat the process for calamari and fish, using additional butter as needed.
- Prepare the Vermicelli Filling:
- Soak vermicelli in water for 15-20 minutes, then drain and cut into 2-3 inch pieces.
- Soak dry black mushrooms in water until rehydrated, then chop finely.
- In a pot, combine vermicelli, chopped mushrooms, reserved seafood cooking liquids, soy sauce, hot sauce, and the prepared tomato sauce.
- Cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until vermicelli is tender and liquids are mostly absorbed.
- Assemble the Bastilla:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Grease a 20cm round, springform or loose-bottomed tin and line the base with baking paper.
- Combine melted butter with remaining olive oil.
- Brush 4 sheets of phyllo pastry with the butter mixture and lay them in the tin with some overhang.
- Layer the seafood and vermicelli fillings, sprinkling grated cheese between layers if desired.
- Fold overhanging pastry over the filling, brush with butter mixture, and add additional buttered phyllo sheets on top, tucking in the edges.
- Brush the top with beaten egg yolk.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish with grated cheese, cooked shrimp, and parsley sprigs if desired.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Moroccan Seafood Bastilla offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The savory seafood filling, infused with Moroccan spices, pairs beautifully with the flaky phyllo pastry, creating a sweet and savory pastry that’s both indulgent and satisfying. It’s an impressive seafood appetizer or main course that’s sure to delight your guests.
Tips
- Phyllo Pastry Handling: Keep phyllo sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out during assembly.
- Seafood Selection: Use fresh, high-quality seafood for the best flavor.
- Make Ahead: The bastilla can be assembled ahead of time and frozen. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time as needed.
Enjoy this delectable Moroccan Seafood Bastilla,
Moroccan Seafood Bastilla: A Flaky & Flavorful Festive Dish
Description
Discover how to make a delicious Moroccan Seafood Bastilla. Follow this easy recipe to impress your guests with a unique and flavorful dish!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 704kcal
Note
Preparation Time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Estimated Cost: Varies depending on seafood prices
Number of Servings: 6
Nutrition Facts (per serving): Approximately 704 kcal
