Homemade Traditional Moroccan Briwats

Introduction

traditional moroccan briwats are a popular Moroccan pastry that can be sweet or savory, typically served at celebrations, special gatherings, or as a delicious treat alongside tea.

These crispy, golden triangles or rolls are filled with a variety of ingredients such as spiced meat, almonds, or honey-drenched nuts.

The combination of crispy warqa dough (similar to phyllo) and the rich, flavorful fillings makes briwats an irresistible part of Moroccan cuisine.

Ingredients

For Savory Briwats (Chicken Filling):

500g chicken breast, finely chopped

1 large onion, finely diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Warqa dough or phyllo pastry sheets

1 egg (for sealing)

Oil for frying

For Sweet Briwats (Almond and Honey Filling):

250g almonds, blanched and finely ground

100g powdered sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 tablespoon orange blossom water

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Honey (for drizzling)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Méthode de préparation

Prepare the Chicken Filling:

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent.
Add the garlic and chicken to the pan. Season with ginger, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
Cook until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly browned. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, and cilantro. Let the mixture cool.

Prepare the Almond Filling:

Mix the ground almonds, powdered sugar, cinnamon, orange blossom water, and melted butter in a bowl until a smooth paste forms.

Assemble the Briwats:

Cut the warqa dough or phyllo pastry sheets into long strips.
Place a small spoonful of the desired filling at one end of each strip.
Fold the pastry into a triangle, enclosing the filling, and continue folding to the end of the strip. Seal the edge with a brush of beaten egg.

Fry or Bake:

For fried briwats, heat oil in a deep pan and fry until golden brown on each side. For a lighter option, brush the briwats with oil or butter and bake at 180°C (350°F) for 15-20 minutes or until crispy and golden.
For sweet briwats, drizzle honey over the fried pastries and sprinkle with sesame seeds while still warm.

Time Required

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 20-30 minutes
Total time: 50-60 minutes

For more Moroccan-inspired dishes, check out our recipe for Moroccan Harira Soup: 6 Simple Steps to a Hearty and Flavorful Meal

Servings

This recipe makes approximately 12-15 briwats, perfect for serving 6 people.

Additional Tips

For a vegetarian option, fill the briwats with a mixture of spiced vegetables or cheese.
If using phyllo dough, work quickly and keep the sheets covered with a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out.

Conclusion

Homemade Traditional Moroccan Briwats are a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of Moroccan cuisine. Whether filled with savory chicken or sweet almond paste, these crispy pastries are sure to impress at any gathering. Serve them warm with a cup of Moroccan mint tea and savor the authentic taste of Morocco!