Fassi Briouats

Origin and History

Fassi Briouats are a culinary delicacy from the city of Fes, located in the heart of Morocco. Known for its rich history and vibrant culture, Fes is home to a unique blend of Arabic, Andalusian, Berber, and French cuisine influences. This classic Moroccan pastry is traditionally stuffed with either ground beef, chicken, lamb, or sometimes even almonds and sweetened with honey for a dessert version. Fassi Briouats are often served during festive occasions and are an integral part of Moroccan celebrations, especially during Ramadan. They are crispy, savory pastries that perfectly embody the rich flavors and culinary heritage of Morocco.

Ingredients

• Phyllo pastry - 1 pack
• Ground beef - 500g
• Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
• Onion - 1, finely chopped
• Parsley - 1/4 cup, chopped
• Coriander - 1/4 cup, chopped
• Ground cinnamon - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - 1 teaspoon
• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon
• Egg - 1, beaten
• Vegetable oil - for frying

Preparation

Meat Filling

1. Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until it becomes translucent, stirring frequently.
3. Stir in the ground beef and cook until it is browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
4. Mix in the parsley, coriander, ground cinnamon, salt, and black pepper.
5. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before proceeding to the next step.

Wrapping Briouats

1. Take the phyllo pastry and cut it into long strips, approximately 3 inches wide.
2. Place a spoonful of the beef filling at one end of each strip.
3. Fold the pastry over the filling to create a triangle. Continue folding the pastry in a triangular pattern until you reach the end of the strip.
4. Seal the edge with a dab of the beaten egg to ensure it stays closed during frying.

Cooking Process

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking timer to ensure your oil is perfectly heated.
2. Fry a few of the briouats at a time, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
3. Cook each one for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
4. Once cooked, remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Serving and Enjoyment

Fassi Briouats are best enjoyed fresh and warm. They can be served as an appetizer or a main dish paired with a side salad. For an authentic experience, accompany the briouats with a cup of Moroccan mint tea. The combination of the crispy, savory briouats and the refreshing mint tea offers a delightful culinary experience that reflects the essence of Moroccan hospitality and tradition.