Description
This Authentic Moroccan Msemen Recipe guides you through creating traditional Moroccan flatbread with flaky layers. Msemen (also known as rghaif) is a beloved staple in North African cuisine, perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (150g) fine semolina (plus extra for folding)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast (optional for lightly leavened version)
- 1¼ cups (300ml) warm water
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for the dough)
- ¼ cup (60ml) vegetable oil (for folding and cooking)
- ¼ cup (60g) softened butter
- Extra fine semolina for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the dough: Mix flour, semolina, salt, sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Gradually add warm water while mixing until a cohesive dough forms. Knead for 10-15 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Divide and rest: Form golf ball-sized portions, coat with oil, cover, and let rest for 30 minutes.
- Shape the msemen: On an oiled surface, flatten each ball into a very thin square. Dot with softened butter and sprinkle with semolina.
- Fold the dough: Fold the top and bottom thirds toward the center, then fold the right and left sides toward the center to form a small square.
- Rest again: Allow the folded squares to rest for 10-15 minutes.
- Cook: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Flatten each square to double its size and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with honey, butter, jam, or your favorite toppings.
Notes
Pro Tips:
- Don’t skimp on oil during the shaping process – it prevents sticking and helps create those beautiful layers.
- Let the dough rest properly between steps for the best texture.
- When stretching the dough, aim to make it as thin as possible without tearing.
- Msemen freezes beautifully – simply reheat in a pan or oven when ready to eat.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 msemen
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 254
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 5
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 32
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 5
- Cholesterol: 18
Keywords: Authentic Moroccan Msemen Recipe, msemen, rghaif, Moroccan flatbread, Moroccan bread, traditional Moroccan recipe, breakfast bread, semolina flatbread, flaky flatbread