Msemen
Msemen is a traditional Moroccan square flatbread known for its incredibly flaky, layered texture. It's often enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack, served warm with honey and butter.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g All-purpose flour(You can also use a mix of all-purpose flour and bread flour for a chewier texture.)
- 100 g Fine semolina flour(Adds a slight crispness and texture.)
- 300-350 ml Warm water(Adjust amount based on flour absorption. Start with 300ml and add more if needed.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 100 g Unsalted butter(Melted, for layering. Plus extra for serving.)
- approximately 100 ml Vegetable oil(For greasing hands and surfaces during shaping and cooking.)
- for serving Honey(Optional, but traditional.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina flour, and salt. Gradually add the warm water while mixing with your hands or a stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms. Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 10-15 minutes, or until it becomes smooth, elastic, and no longer sticky. The dough should be firm but pliable. Cover the dough with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. This resting period is crucial for gluten development and makes the dough easier to stretch.
⏱️ 15 minutes kneading + 30 minutes resting - 2
Lightly oil your hands and the work surface. Divide the rested dough into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a smooth ball. Arrange the dough balls on a lightly oiled tray, ensuring they don't touch. Cover them with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let them rest for another 20 minutes. This second rest makes the dough even more pliable for stretching.
⏱️ 20 minutes resting - 3
Prepare your workspace by lightly oiling it. Take one dough ball and place it on the oiled surface. Using your fingertips, gently press and stretch the dough outwards, working from the center to the edges. Continue to stretch and pull the dough until it is as thin as possible, almost translucent, resembling a large square or rectangle. Be patient; if the dough resists, let it rest for a few more minutes. Once stretched, brush the surface generously with melted butter and then lightly with oil. Fold the dough: bring one-third of the dough over to the center, then fold the remaining third over that, creating a long rectangle. Then, fold this rectangle in half to form a square. Ensure the edges are tucked in neatly. Repeat this process for all dough balls.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 4
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. The pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly. Carefully place one msemen square onto the hot griddle. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it puffs up and develops a beautiful golden-brown color with crispy edges. You should see distinct layers forming as it cooks. Flip and cook the other side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining msemen squares, adding a little oil to the pan between each batch if needed.
⏱️ 20 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Stretch the dough thinly by hand rather than rolling with a pin to achieve the signature flaky layers.
- ✓Generously oiling your hands and the work surface is key to preventing sticking and facilitating the stretching process.
- ✓The characteristic flaky layers of msemen should be visible both before and after cooking.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking; cook msemen in batches to ensure even browning.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Savory Msemen: Incorporate finely chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley into the dough, or stuff the msemen with a mixture of spiced ground meat (kefta) or sautéed onions and peppers before folding.
- Sweet Msemen: Serve with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or chopped nuts.