How to Make Moroccan Msemen: A Delicious, Flaky Moroccan Flatbread

Moroccan msemen, often referred to as Moroccan pancakes or flatbreads, are a staple in Moroccan cuisine. Their crispy, golden layers and slightly chewy texture make them the perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of Moroccan mint tea or a sweet honey drizzle. Msemen are often enjoyed for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of a larger meal during special occasions, including Ramadan.

Making msemen from scratch might seem daunting, but with a bit of patience and the right technique, you’ll be able to make these delicious flatbreads at home. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of making traditional Moroccan msemen, so you can enjoy them fresh out of the pan!

What is Msemen?

Msemen is a versatile flatbread that originates from Morocco. It is made by layering dough, folding it into squares, and then pan-frying it. The result is a crispy, golden-brown exterior with a soft, flaky interior. Msemen can be served plain or filled with a variety of fillings such as honey, jam, or even savory ingredients like minced meat or vegetables.

Ingredients for Moroccan Msemen

To make traditional Moroccan msemen, you’ll need a few basic ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup semolina flour (for added texture)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for mixing the dough)
• 1/2 cup warm water (adjust as needed)
• Additional flour for dusting

For the Butter Mixture:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted (for coating the dough)
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for coating the dough)
• A pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Dough:

• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina, salt, sugar, and instant yeast. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

• Add Water: Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients, a little at a time, and mix until you have a soft dough. You may not need all the water, so add it slowly to achieve a dough that is soft but not sticky. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

• Rest the Dough: Once the dough is ready, cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rest for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. This will allow the dough to relax and become easier to work with.

2. Prepare the Butter and Oil Mixture:

• While the dough is resting, prepare the butter and oil mixture. In a small bowl, melt the butter and combine it with the vegetable oil. Add a pinch of salt if desired, and mix well. This mixture will be used to coat the dough and create those signature flaky layers.

3. Shape the Msemen:

• Divide the Dough: After resting, divide the dough into small equal-sized balls, about the size of a golf ball (around 10-12 pieces). Coat each ball lightly with a little oil or flour to prevent sticking.

• Flatten the Dough: On a clean, lightly floured surface, take one of the dough balls and flatten it with your hands. Use your fingers to gently stretch the dough outward, creating a thin, almost translucent layer. The dough should be very thin, but be careful not to tear it.

• Coat with Butter/Oil Mixture: Once the dough is stretched, brush it generously with the butter-oil mixture. Then, fold the edges of the dough into the center, forming a square or rectangular shape. The butter-oil mixture will help create those flaky layers as the dough cooks.

• Roll Again: Gently press the folded dough into a flat, square shape. Repeat this process for all the remaining dough balls.

4. Cook the Msemen:

• Heat the Pan: Heat a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Make sure the pan is hot before cooking the msemen to achieve that crispy, golden exterior.

• Cook the Msemen: Place one of the folded dough squares onto the hot pan. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until it turns golden brown and crispy. Press down lightly with a spatula to help the msemen cook evenly and to ensure a golden, flaky texture. Flip the msemen carefully and cook the other side until crispy.

• Repeat: Continue to cook the remaining msemen, adding a little more butter and oil mixture to the pan if necessary to prevent sticking.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the msemen is cooked to a crispy, golden-brown perfection, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
• Serve your msemen warm with honey, jam, or your favorite topping. In Morocco, msemen is often enjoyed with a cup of sweet Moroccan mint tea, making for a perfect breakfast or snack.

Tips for Perfect Msemen:

• Stretching the Dough: The key to getting the perfect flaky texture is to stretch the dough as thinly as possible without tearing it. Be patient when stretching the dough, and use your hands to gently pull it outward.

• Layering: Make sure to coat the dough generously with the butter-oil mixture before folding it. This is what creates the deliciously flaky layers you’re looking for.

• Pan Temperature: The pan should be medium-hot, not too high, to avoid burning the msemen while ensuring it cooks through evenly. You want it to crisp up on the outside while staying soft on the inside.

• Storage: Msemen is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftover msemen in an airtight container for a day or two. Reheat them on a pan or in the oven for the best texture.

Why Msemen Is So Special

Msemen holds a special place in Moroccan cuisine, and it is a versatile dish enjoyed by families during various occasions. Whether served with honey for breakfast or stuffed with savory fillings for lunch, msemen brings a sense of warmth and togetherness. The golden layers and slight crispiness paired with the soft interior make each bite a comforting experience, and it’s a food that carries tradition, culture, and love in every bite.

Making msemen at home might take a little practice, but once you master the technique, you’ll be rewarded with a deliciously flaky flatbread that will impress family and friends alike.

Enjoy your freshly made Moroccan msemen with a hot cup of tea, and experience the taste of Moroccan hospitality right in your own kitchen!