Moroccan pancake Msemen

Moroccan flavors and more

1 Apr, 2024

You may be familiar with the round Moroccan pancake known as msemen, The dough is shaped into squares rather than rolled up and formed into flat circles.

To make the dough smooth and soft, it is first kneaded like bread dough. Subsequently, portions of the dough are pressed into square shapes. You may make layered pancakes or flatbread that are soft on the inside and crisp on the exterior by thoroughly rubbing the dough and baking it in a skillet.

For texture and flavor, this recipe calls for a small amount of semolina; how much you use is up to you. If you prefer a coarser texture, add extra semolina in place of some of the white flour.

Ingredients for the dough:

3 1/2 cups (440 g) all-purpose flour, add more as required
1/2 cup (90 g) Fine semolina.
2 teaspoons of granulated sugar.
2 teaspoons of kosher salt.
1/4 teaspoon yeast.
1 1/2 cups warm water, or more as needed.

For cooking the msemen:

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil.
1/2 cup of fine semolina.
1/4 cup unsalted, softened butter
Serve with salted butter, honey, or jam.

Make the Msemen dough

Gather the ingredients.
Combine flour, semolina, sugar, salt, and yeast in a large mixing basin.
Add warm water and stir to form a dough. If required, add more water to create a soft, knead dough without getting too sticky.
If the dough is too sticky to handle, add 1 tablespoon flour at a time.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for 10 minutes, until it is extremely smooth and elastic.
Alternatively, knead the dough in a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.

Fold the dough

Gather the ingredients.
Prepare a broad, smooth area to work with dough; a large plastic tray or a clean counter will suffice. Spread a little vegetable oil on the work area to keep the dough from sticking.

Divide the msemen dough into smooth balls while keeping your hands and the dough well greased.

Try the Moroccan approach. Grab a large piece of dough and form it into a ball between your thumb and forefinger. It takes some practice, but it's an effective approach to control the size of the balls.

Set dough balls on an oiled surface, such as a baking sheet.

Make sure the dough is sufficiently greased so it does not dry out. If creating a large batch, consider covering the dough gently with plastic while working. Allow the dough to rest for ten minutes.

Grease each ball of dough with the vegetable oil, working your way down from the first one to be created.

Spread and flatten the dough with oiled hands into an asymmetrical square or extremely thin circle. Without shattering the dough, make it as thin as you can.

It's okay if there are one or two tiny holes; the dough will fold over to hide them.

Spread butter on the dough and then lightly dust it with semolina. This keeps the folded layers apart as the mesenchyme cooks.

Fold one side of dough into the center.

To create a thin strip of dough, fold the opposing side into the center.

The dough strip should be folded with one end in the center.

To form a square, fold dough's opposing end toward the middle.

Set the folded dough aside on an oiled board. Repeat until all the dough is folded into squares.

Cook the msemen
Preheat a frying pan, cast-iron skillet, or griddle over medium to high heat.

Pat each square of dough with your fingertips or palm to flatten it until it is about twice the size.

Place the msemen in a hot pan and fry, flipping them over many times, until golden brown and the center is done. It should take a few minutes.

Fry the remaining msemen and remove the cooked ones to a rack to cool.

Serve msemen simply with jam or honey and butter. BESAHA!

Moroccan flavors and more

"In this blog, I will introduce you to the flavors of Morocco! Join me on a gastronomic journey through vibrant Moroccan cuisine as I show you the variety of flavors and dishes. From savoury tagines to cooling mint tea, I'll take you on a delicious journey through the unique ingredients, cooking techniques and culinary traditions that set this cuisine apart. Discover the rich history and cultural influences that shape Moroccan cuisine and be encouraged to experiment in the kitchen. Indulge your taste buds and be enchanted by the delicious flavors of Morocco"

Moroccan pancake Msemen