Authentic Moroccan Briouat Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g of minced meat (beef or lamb)
  • 2 onions, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh coriander
  • 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • 2 eggs
  • 100g of grated cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
  • 12 sheets of filo pastry
  • 100g of melted butter
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large frying pan, cook the minced meat over medium heat until browned. Remove the meat from the pan and set it aside.
  2. In the same pan, add the chopped onions and cook until they are soft and translucent.
  3. Add the chopped parsley, coriander, ground cinnamon, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the onions. Stir well to combine the ingredients.
  4. Add the cooked meat back to the pan and mix well with the spices and onions.
  5. Crack the eggs into the pan and stir continuously until they are fully cooked and mixed with the meat.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese. Let the mixture cool down.
  7. Preheat your deep fryer or a deep pot of vegetable oil to 180°C (356°F).
  8. Take one sheet of filo pastry and brush it with melted butter. Place about 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture at one end of the pastry.
  9. Fold the pastry over the meat mixture to form a triangle. Continue folding the pastry in this way until you reach the end of the sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining pastry sheets and meat mixture.
  10. Deep fry the briouats until they are golden brown and crispy. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
  11. Remove the briouats from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain them on paper towels.
  12. Let the briouats cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tools for making

  • Frying Pan - A large pan for cooking the minced meat and onions.
  • Spatula - A utensil for stirring and flipping the ingredients in the pan.
  • Deep Fryer or Deep Pot - A device or pot for frying the briouats in hot oil.
  • Brush - Used to brush melted butter onto the filo pastry.
  • Slotted Spoon - A spoon with slots or holes to drain the briouats after frying.
  • Paper Towels - Used to absorb excess oil from the fried briouats.

Recipe variations

  • Use phyllo dough instead of filo pastry for a different crust texture.
  • Replace the minced meat with cooked and mashed chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
  • Add diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the meat mixture for added flavor and texture.
  • Sprinkle some chopped nuts, such as almonds or pine nuts, on top of the meat mixture before folding the pastry for a crunchy element.
  • Experiment with different spices and herbs like paprika, turmeric, or mint to customize the flavor profile.
  • Try using a different type of cheese, such as feta or goat cheese, for a unique twist.
  • Add a touch of honey or a drizzle of lemon juice to the meat mixture to enhance the taste.
  • Make a sweet version of briouat by filling the pastry with a mixture of honey, nuts, and cinnamon.
  • For a healthier option, bake the briouats in the oven instead of deep frying them.
  • Serve the briouats with a dipping sauce, such as tzatziki, hummus, or spicy harissa.

Recipe overview

Briouat is a traditional Moroccan dish that is often served during special occasions and festive events. It is a type of pastry that is filled with a savory mixture of minced meat, fresh herbs, spices, and cheese, then deep-fried to golden perfection. This recipe will guide you through the process of making Briouat from scratch, starting with preparing the delicious filling, folding the pastries, and frying them. Expect a satisfying and flavorful dish that offers a combination of tender meat, aromatic spices, and a crispy exterior. It's a bit of a project, but the result is well worth the effort, and you'll undoubtedly impress your guests with this authentic Moroccan delicacy. Enjoy the process and, of course, the delicious outcome.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat?
    Yes, you can use beef or lamb as specified in the recipe. However, you can also use chicken or turkey if you prefer.
  2. Can I use frozen filo pastry?
    Yes, you can use frozen filo pastry. Just make sure to thaw it completely before using it in this recipe.
  3. Can I bake the briouats instead of frying them?
    Yes, you can bake the briouats instead of frying them if you prefer a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake the briouats until they are golden brown and crispy, usually around 15-20 minutes.
  4. Can I make the filling ahead of time?
    Yes, you can prepare the filling ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to assemble and cook the briouats.
  5. Can I freeze the briouats?
    Yes, you can freeze the uncooked briouats for later use. Arrange them on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. When you're ready to cook, simply fry or bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Briouat is a cherished culinary delight from the land of Morocco, a North African country known for its rich and diverse gastronomic traditions. These triangular-shaped pastries, often savored during Ramadan and at special occasions, offer a delightful crunch at every bite, revealing a heart of seasoned minced meat, enhanced by aromatic herbs and warm spices. It's said that every household has its own secret recipe for briouat, passed down through generations like a cherished heirloom. Some families prefer a sweet version, stuffing their briouat with almond paste, honey, and rose water, demonstrating the remarkable versatility of this beloved Moroccan delicacy.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.