Seffa Medfouna
Hidden Chicken Vermicelli
A classic Moroccan festive dish, Seffa Medfouna features tender, spiced chicken pieces enveloped within a mound of fluffy, steamed vermicelli, then elegantly garnished with powdered sugar, cinnamon, and toasted almonds. The name 'Medfouna' translates to 'hidden', referring to the chicken concealed within the vermicelli.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Whole chicken(Cut into 8 serving pieces)
- 2 large Onions(Finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp Ginger(Freshly grated)
- 1 tsp Turmeric
- 2 Cinnamon sticks
- 1 pinch Saffron threads(Optional, but recommended for authentic flavor and color)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground)
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 2 cups Water(Approximately, for braising)
- 500 g Vermicelli (fine strands)
- 150 g Unsalted butter(Divided)
- 100 g Powdered sugar (icing sugar)(For dusting)
- 2 tbsp Ground cinnamon(For dusting)
- 100 g Blanched almonds(Fried until golden and chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them lightly on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onions to the same pot and cook until softened and lightly golden, about 8-10 minutes. Stir in the grated ginger, turmeric, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Braise the chicken: Return the chicken pieces to the pot. Add the cinnamon sticks, saffron threads (if using), and enough water to come about halfway up the chicken pieces. Bring to a simmer, then cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and let it braise gently for about 1 hour, or until the chicken is very tender. Check periodically and add a little more water if needed to keep the sauce from drying out.
⏱️ 1 hour - 4
Prepare the vermicelli: While the chicken is braising, prepare the vermicelli. Place the dry vermicelli in a large heatproof bowl. Steam the vermicelli using a couscoussier or a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water. Steam for about 15-20 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the strands are tender and fluffy. Alternatively, follow package instructions for steaming.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 5
Finish the vermicelli: Once steamed, transfer the hot vermicelli back to its bowl. Add about half of the butter (75g) and toss gently until the butter is melted and evenly distributed, coating each strand. The vermicelli should look glossy.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Reduce the chicken sauce: Once the chicken is tender, carefully remove the chicken pieces from the pot and set aside. Increase the heat under the pot to medium-high and let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 10-15 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly into a rich, flavorful sauce. Discard the cinnamon sticks.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 7
Assemble the Seffa: On a large, decorative serving platter, create a mound or dome shape using the buttered vermicelli. Make a well in the center of the vermicelli mound.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 8
Fill and cover: Arrange the tender chicken pieces within the well of the vermicelli. Spoon some of the thickened chicken sauce over the chicken. Gently use more vermicelli to cover the chicken, creating a seamless dome.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 9
Garnish: Generously dust the entire vermicelli mound with powdered sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the chopped fried almonds over the top for texture and visual appeal. Drizzle any remaining melted butter or sauce over the dish just before serving.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Medfouna means 'hidden' in Arabic, referring to the chicken concealed within the vermicelli.
- ✓The combination of sweet vermicelli and savory, spiced chicken is a hallmark of this dish.
- ✓This dish is often prepared for special occasions and celebrations due to its festive appearance and rich flavors.
- ✓Ensure the vermicelli is steamed properly to achieve a light and fluffy texture, not mushy.
- ✓For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a few dried raisins to the chicken braising liquid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Seffa without chicken: Prepare the vermicelli as described and serve with a sweet sauce or simply garnished.
- Seffa with raisins: Add soaked raisins to the chicken braising liquid for a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
- Seffa with lamb: Use lamb pieces instead of chicken for a richer flavor profile.