Best Moroccan Pastilla Recipe with Shrimp, Calamari, and Fish 2025

Introduction

Moroccan Pastilla (also known as Bastilla or B’stilla) is a renowned Moroccan pie, traditionally made with a sweet and savory blend of poultry, almonds, and delicate spices wrapped in crispy phyllo dough. But did you know that seafood pastilla is an equally popular variation along Morocco’s coastal cities?

This luxurious dish combines shrimp, calamari, and fish with fragrant spices and a light, crispy crust. It’s a perfect centerpiece for special occasions or dinner parties, offering an exotic twist that will impress your guests.

Ingredients (Serves 6 people)

200g shrimp, peeled and deveined

200g calamari, cleaned and cut into rings

200g white fish fillets (such as cod or sea bass), cut into small pieces

1 large onion, finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic, minced

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon turmeric

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (optional)

100g vermicelli noodles (thin rice noodles)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

2 eggs, lightly beaten

8 sheets of phyllo dough (or brick pastry sheets)

1 tablespoon melted butter (for brushing)

Lemon wedges (for serving)

Méthode de préparation

Cook the Seafood:

In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and translucent.
Add the shrimp, calamari, and fish pieces. Season with cumin, paprika, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, and saffron.
Cook the seafood mixture for about 5-7 minutes until the shrimp are pink and the calamari and fish are cooked through.
Remove from heat and set aside.

Prepare the Vermicelli Noodles:

Soak the vermicelli noodles in boiling water for 5 minutes, or until they are soft. Drain well and chop them into small pieces.
Add the cooked noodles to the seafood mixture and toss well to combine.

Add the Herbs and Eggs:

Stir the chopped parsley and cilantro into the seafood mixture.
Add the beaten eggs and mix everything together, ensuring the eggs coat the ingredients. Set aside.

Assemble the Pastilla:

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a round baking dish with butter or oil.
Lay a sheet of phyllo dough (or brick pastry) into the dish, allowing the edges to overhang the sides. Brush the dough with melted butter.
Layer 3-4 more sheets of dough in the same manner, brushing each layer with butter.
Spread the seafood mixture evenly into the center of the dough-lined dish.
Fold the overhanging edges of the dough over the filling to cover it. Add a few more sheets of phyllo on top, tucking the edges underneath the pastilla and brushing with butter to seal.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crispy.

Serve:

Once baked, remove the pastilla from the oven and let it cool slightly before slicing.
Serve hot with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh, tangy finish.

Time Required

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 1 hour

For more Moroccan-inspired dishes, check out our recipe for Moroccan Chicken Tagine with Preserved Lemons.

Servings

This recipe serves 6 people, making it a great dish for a family meal or small gathering.

Additional Tips

You can substitute the fish and calamari with other seafood like scallops or mussels, depending on your preference.
To save time, you can prepare the filling in advance and assemble the pastilla right before baking.
Phyllo dough can dry out quickly, so keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth while you work to prevent them from cracking.

Conclusion

This Moroccan seafood pastilla with shrimp, calamari, and fish is a show-stopping dish, offering the perfect balance of delicate seafood, fragrant spices, and crispy pastry. Whether served as a main course for a special event or enjoyed as a family dinner, this unique and flavorful dish is bound to become a favorite. Serve it with fresh lemon wedges for an extra zing, and watch your guests savor every bite!