Crispy on the outside, tender and fragrant on the inside, crispy vegetable-stuffed briouates are a staple of Moroccan cuisine. Perfect as a starter, an aperitif, or even a main course served with a salad, they appeal to both vegetarians and lovers of Middle Eastern cuisine.
In this article, discover how to easily make these delicious homemade bites, with a savory filling and a golden brown finish.
Ingredients for about fifteen crispy vegetable-stuffed briouates
For the stuffing:
1 large grated carrot
1 grated zucchini
1 medium grated potato
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, diced
2 tablespoons cooked peas
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 tablespoon chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 grated garlic clove
1 teaspoon turmeric
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
For assembly:
Brick pastry sheets (or pastilla sheets)
Neutral cooking oil (frying or brushing with egg wash)
Flour and water (to stick the briouates together)
Utensils needed
A large non-stick skillet
A grater or food processor Cooking Instructions
A sharp knife
A cutting board
A wooden spoon
A pastry brush (if baking)
Paper towels
A salad bowl
Preparing the crispy vegetable-stuffed briouates
Step 1: Prepare the vegetable stuffing
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion, grated garlic, grated carrot, zucchini, and potato.
Sauté for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly, until the vegetables begin to soften.
Then add the red bell pepper, peas, spices, salt, pepper, coriander, and parsley.
Mix well and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the excess water has evaporated. The stuffing should be completely dry.
Remove from heat and let cool before assembling.
Step 2: Fold the briouates
Cut the brick pastry sheets in half if they are large.
Place a tablespoon of filling at the bottom of the sheet.
Fold one corner into a triangle, then continue folding upwards.
Seal the end with a mixture of flour and water to seal securely.
Repeat this process until all the filling is used up.
Step 3: Bake the briouates
Option 1 – Frying:
Heat the oil in a deep skillet.
Fry the briouates until golden brown and crispy.
Drain them on paper towels.
Option 2 – Oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
Brush each briouate with a little oil.
Place them on a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.
Tips for successful vegetable briouates
Drain the filling well: a wet filling can make the brick pastry soggy. Make sure to cook and dry the vegetables thoroughly in the pan.
Customizable spices: Adjust the spices to your taste – add ginger, ras el hanout, or even curry.
Freezing: Briouates freeze very well, raw or pre-cooked. Practical for a last-minute appetizer!
Homemade pastry: If you have the time, make your own brick pastry for an even more authentic texture.
Cigar-shaped briouates: You can also roll them into cigar shapes for a varied presentation.
Serving Suggestions
These crispy vegetable-stuffed briouates are ideal served with:
A Moroccan salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and lemon vinaigrette.
A yogurt and mint sauce for dipping.
A hot mint tea for a truly Moroccan touch.
An assortment of meat, cheese, or tuna briouates for a varied appetizer platter.
Approximate Nutritional Information (per average briouate)
Calories: 90 kcal (oven-baked) / 130 kcal (fried)
Carbohydrates: 9 g
Fat: 4 to 8 g
Protein: 2 g
Fiber: 1.5 g
Why try this recipe for crispy vegetable-stuffed briouates?
These briouates are:
Economical: made with simple, seasonal vegetables. Vegetarian: perfect for meat-free meals.
Versatile: as a starter, main course, or appetizer.
Crispy and flavorful: irresistible with every bite.
And above all, they offer a healthy and light alternative to classic briouates, which are often heavy in meat or cheese.
Conclusion: Ready, set, cook!
Crispy vegetable-stuffed briouates are much more than just a recipe. They symbolize the ingenuity and richness of Moroccan cuisine. Easy to prepare, infinitely customizable, and above all delicious, they’ll be a hit at your table.
Try them today, share them with your loved ones, and don’t hesitate to vary the vegetables.
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