Moroccan Pigeon Pie

A fragrant Moroccan pastilla featuring tender shredded pigeon, spiced egg stuffing, and crunchy sugared almonds wrapped in crisp filo pastry.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving Total
Calories 765 kcals 7650 kcals
Carbohydrates 28.6 grams 285.5 grams
Fat 54.3 grams 542.8 grams
Protein 41.5 grams 415.2 grams
Cook Time
107 mins
Produces
10 people
Allergies
Vegetarian
Vegan
Dairy Free
Gluten Free

Ingredients

BakingIngredients
50
g
4
tbsp
Icing Sugar
for serving
Dairy
60
g
Butter
for the filling
50
g
Butter
plus extra for brushing
8
piece
Eggs
free-range, beaten
1
piece
Egg Yolk
for egg wash
GrainsCereals
450
g
Filo Pastry
ready-made
Liquids
Meat
8
piece
Pigeons
gutted and cleaned
NutsSeeds
2
tsp
1
tsp
Black Pepper
freshly ground
3
tbsp
Parsley
chopped fresh
3
tbsp
Coriander
chopped fresh
0.5
tsp
Saffron
infused in a little boiling water
1
tsp
300
g
Almonds
blanched
1
tbsp
Cinnamon
for serving
OilsFats
90
ml
Vegetable Oil
6 tbsp plus extra for frying
Vegetables
450
g
Onions
grated

Steps

  • Melt 60g butter in a large pan and sauté grated onions for 6 minutes.
  • Add pigeons and cook for 12 minutes until browned.
  • Stir in seasonings, herbs, saffron water, cinnamon, and 25g sugar.
  • Add stock, bring to boil, and simmer covered for 30 minutes until meat is tender.
  • Remove pigeons, cool, and shred meat away from the bones.
  • Fry almonds in oil until golden, then crush into a coarse mixture.
  • Mix crushed almonds with remaining 25g sugar and 30ml oil.
  • Reduce cooking liquid in the pan to 375ml by simmering for 15 minutes.
  • Stir in beaten eggs over very low heat until the sauce thickens.
  • Preheat oven to 180°C.
  • Oil a 30cm round baking tin.
  • Layer five buttered filo sheets fanned out with 10cm overhang.
  • Add two more buttered sheets to the base and trim excess.
  • Cover base with egg mixture and top with two buttered filo sheets.
  • Spread shredded pigeon meat and top with two more buttered filo sheets.
  • Sprinkle almond mixture, cover with remaining filo, and fold overheated edges.
  • Brush the top with melted butter and egg yolk.
  • Bake for 40 minutes until golden and crisp.
  • Turn out pie and dust with icing sugar and cinnamon in a lattice pattern.