Radical Hospitality in Lawrence: How Algerian Fans Found Halal Food during the World Cup

For four weeks in the summer of 2022, Lawrence transformed into a vibrant hotbed of North African hospitality, as fans from Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco flocked to the city for the World Cup. With a thriving diaspora community, Lawrence boasts an array of eateries serving traditional Maghrebi cuisine, but this time, the stakes were higher – the need for sustenance, camaraderie, and shared joy was palpable in the air. This is the story of how the residents of Lawrence opened their hearts and kitchens to ensure the spirit of the World Cup lived on in every bite.

History

Lawrence, a bustling college town in Massachusetts, has long been home to a thriving Algerian, Tunisian, and Moroccan diaspora community. Many immigrants arrived in the wake of independence movements, seeking a fresh start in a land of opportunity. While the food scene in Lawrence has grown to include a number of Maghrebi eateries, it was during the World Cup that the community truly came alive. The scent of spices and the sound of laughter filled the air as fans from across the Maghreb region gathered to watch their teams compete.

Ingredients (serves 6)

To create a communal feast that would feed the masses, Lawrence’s residents turned to a simple yet hearty dish – Chicken Bastilla, a Moroccan pie filled with spiced chicken, almonds, and aromatic spices. This dish is traditionally served during special occasions, and its warmth and comfort would be the perfect antidote to the excitement and anticipation of the World Cup. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, Chicken Bastilla quickly became the go-to dish for fans from across the region.

• 2 kg bone-in chicken breasts – cut into large pieces by your butcher
• 1 kg filo pastry – thawed according to package instructions
• 1 kg almonds – finely ground
• 1 kg pitted dates – finely chopped
• 2 tbsp Ras El Hanout
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tbsp ground turmeric
• ½ tbsp ground cumin
• ½ tbsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp saffron threads
• 1 cup olive oil
• 2 onions – finely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves – minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 tbsp honey
• 6 eggs
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup water

Numbered steps

Prep time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Difficulty: Hard

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, almonds, dates, onions, garlic, Ras El Hanout, ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, coriander, saffron, 6 tbsp olive oil, salt, pepper, and honey. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for optimal flavor.
2. Prepare the filling: In a large pan, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, cook the chicken broth, water, and remaining marinade over high heat until reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Return the chicken to the pan, add the eggs, and cook until the eggs are set, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Assemble the Bastilla: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Lay out the filo pastry on a large, lightly oiled baking sheet. Spread half of the chicken mixture over the pastry, leaving a 2 cm border around the edges. Fold the edges of the pastry over the filling, creating a sealed envelope. Brush the remaining olive oil over the pastry. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the pastry is golden and crisp.

Tips

Chicken Bastilla is best enjoyed fresh and hot. If making in advance, reheat in a 180°C (350°F) oven until warmed through.

Variations

For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and double the almonds and dates. For a lighter option, substitute filo pastry with puff pastry.

Serving and Presentation

Serve the Chicken Bastilla hot, cut into squares. Accompany with a fresh salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives, and a dish of harissa on the side. For a sweet touch, offer a tray of Moroccan pastries, such as B’souara or M’hanncha.

Conclusion

During the World Cup, Lawrence showed the world what it means to open your heart and kitchen to strangers. The spirit of Maghrebi hospitality shone bright, bringing people together over a shared love for food and football. Chicken Bastilla is a testament to this radical act of kindness, and a delicious reminder of home for the Algerian, Tunisian, and Moroccan diaspora in Lawrence.