Go Back

Moroccan Msemmen

Explore the warm flavors of Morocco with delightful, flaky, layered flatbreads known as Msemmen. These versatile breads are perfect for any meal and can be customized with your favorite fillings.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Breakfast, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: Moroccan
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

Dough Ingredients
  • 3.5 cups 3½ cups flour (340 g)
  • 0.5 cups ½ cup fine semolina (90 g)
  • 2 tsp 2 tsp sugar
  • 2 tsp 2 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp 1 teaspoon yeast
  • 1.5 cups 1½ cups warm water (approx. ⅓ liter) Ensure the water is warm, not hot.
Finishing Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups 1½ cups vegetable oil Used for cooking.
  • 0.25 cups ¼ cup very soft unsalted butter Coat hands and dough for handling.
  • 0.5 cups ½ cup fine semolina Sprinkled between dough layers.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, fine semolina, sugar, salt, and yeast until evenly mixed.
  2. Gradually add 1½ cups warm water to the dry mix and stir until a dough forms. Add more water if needed to achieve a soft but not sticky dough.
  3. Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead by hand for about 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively, use a stand mixer with a dough hook for 5 minutes.
  4. Set aside a bowl containing soft unsalted butter and vegetable oil.
  5. Oil your hands, then divide the dough into golf ball-sized pieces. Take the first ball, coat your hands and work surface with the butter-oil mixture, and flatten the ball into a very thin layer.
  6. Brush oil on top of the flattened dough, fold it into thirds lengthwise, add more oil and sprinkle some fine semolina, then fold again into thirds, forming a small square.
  7. Continue this process with the remaining dough balls.
Cooking
  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.
  2. Oil your hands and gently flatten each folded dough square into a thin square before placing it in the pan.
  3. Cook each piece until golden brown and slightly crispy on the outside, turning once. Ensure sufficient oil is used to achieve a nice golden crust.

Notes

Store Msemmen in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to a month. Reheat on a skillet or in the oven before serving.