Msemmen (Moroccan flatbread)

8 servings

40 minutes

Msemmen is a traditional Moroccan flatbread considered a true culinary art. Its history dates back centuries when Berber tribes began making layered flatbreads perfect for breakfast or a light snack. The thin, delicate dough infused with the aroma of vegetable oil and semolina develops a golden crust when fried. The taste of msemmen is a harmony of crispy texture with a soft center that pairs wonderfully with sweet honey, fragrant butter, or savory fillings. This dish is essential in Moroccan markets where it is served with hot tea. Msemmen not only satisfies but also provides a sense of warmth and coziness, reminiscent of sunny mornings in the medinas of Marrakech.

Energy value per serving

• Calories: 176.3
• Proteins: 5.3g
• Fats: 1.4g
• Carbohydrates: 36.2g

Ingredients

• Wheat flour: 2.5 glass
• Salt: 0.5 tsp
• Baking powder: 0.5 tsp
• Sugar: 0.5 tbsp
• Chicken egg: 1 pc
• Semolina: to taste
• Water: 0.8 glass
• Vegetable oil: to taste

Cooking steps

1. Mix all ingredients (except water, oil, and semolina) by hand.

   Required ingredients:

   • Wheat flour: 2.5 glasss
   • Salt: 0.5 teaspoon
   • Baking powder: 0.5 teaspoon
   • Sugar: 0.5 tablespoon
   • Chicken egg: 1 piece

2. Add water gradually while mixing the dough to avoid it becoming too runny. The dough should be easy to roll into a ball and not sticky. If there's too much water, just add a little flour.

   Required ingredients:

   • Water: 0.8 glass

3. Knead the dough on the table for five minutes.

4. Grease your hands and the dough with vegetable oil.

   Required ingredients:

   • Vegetable oil:  to taste

5. Divide the dough into about 8 pieces, roll them into balls, and don't forget the vegetable oil.

   Required ingredients:

   • Vegetable oil:  to taste

6. Cover the balls with foil or fabric and let them rest for 15 minutes.

7. Cover the table with vegetable oil, take one ball and flatten it with your hand, stretching the edges with your fingers until you have a thin layer of dough (10–15 cm side).

   Required ingredients:

   • Vegetable oil:  to taste

8. Sprinkle a pinch of semolina on the dough. Fold the edges of the dough to the center, greasing with vegetable oil, forming a square.

   Required ingredients:

   • Semolina:  to taste
   • Vegetable oil:  to taste

9. Repeat the procedure with all the balls. And leave it again for 15 minutes.

10. Again, grease the table with vegetable oil and flatten the squares with your hand to a size of about 10-15 cm on one side.

    Required ingredients:

    • Vegetable oil:  to taste

11. Heat the pan and spray with vegetable oil (when will it ever run out!).

    Required ingredients:

    • Vegetable oil:  to taste

12. Cook the msemmen over medium heat. Fry each side for a few minutes, flipping several times until each side is lightly golden brown.

13. Place the finished dish on a paper towel to get rid of excess oil (finally!).

    Required ingredients:

    • Vegetable oil:  to taste