Msemen Recipe

DifficultyBeginnerPrep Time45 minsCook Time10 mins

Ingredients:

600 g All Purpose Flour

200 g Fine Semolina

500 ml Water

4 g Instant Yeast

4 g Baking Powder

14 g Sea Salt

For the Moroccan Syrup:

30 g Butter

3 tbsp Honey

1 tbsp Rose Water

About the Recipe:

Learn how to make Mssemen, the beloved Moroccan flaky flatbread that’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or pairing with tea! This authentic Moroccan recipe shows you step-by-step how to create beautifully layered, crispy, and tender Mssemen from scratch. With just a few basic ingredients, you’ll master the art of this delicious flatbread and bring a taste of Morocco right into your kitchen. If you’re a fan of homemade bread or exploring Moroccan cuisine, this Mssemen recipe is a must-try! Join us on this culinary journey, and bring the flavors of Morocco to your table.

Here’s How It’s Done:

Make the dough
- In a mixer bowl, combine 200 g fine semolina + 600 g all-purpose flour; add 14 g salt and mix.
- Add 4 g baking powder + 4 g instant yeast; mix to distribute evenly.
- Mixer on low; slowly stream in 500 ml water until a cohesive dough ball forms.
- Increase to medium-high and knead 15 min until smooth, slightly sticky but elastic.
Rest #1 (relax gluten)
- Lightly oil the mixer bowl (spray is fine). Fold dough onto itself a few times; surface should stretch without tearing.
- Cover with plastic and rest on the counter for 20 min.
Portion & ball
- Oil the work surface; turn dough out. Fold, then rotate against the surface to tighten.
- Divide into 16 pieces of about 82 g each. For each piece: spread, fold, then roll into a tight ball.
Rest #2 (balls)
- Cover and rest on the counter for 20 min so they flatten/stretch easily.
Laminate (oil • butter • semolina)
- Set out vegetable oil, melted butter, and fine semolina. Keep hands and surface well oiled.
- Take one ball; gently stretch with palms/fingertips to a very thin sheet. Small holes are OK.
- Laminate: for each fold, dust a thin layer of semolina and drizzle a few drops of butter. Fold several times to build layers and form a square/round parcel.
- Repeat for all pieces. Keep parcels lightly oiled so they don’t dry out.
Final stretch & cook
- Before cooking, oil hands and surface; gently stretch each parcel in all directions.
- Heat a nonstick pan to medium (lightly oiled).
- Cook each msemen 30–60 sec/side, rotating, until you see light scorch marks and puffed layers. Stack in a covered towel to keep soft.
Freeze or serve
- For freezing, undercook slightly, cool, then freeze flat. Reheat from frozen on a hot pan a few seconds per side.
- Serve plain or with fillings: fresh/low-fat cream cheese + olives + sun-dried tomatoes + honey; or cream cheese + apricot marmalade; or classic butter & honey (optionally rose water).

Notes & Swaps

Dough feel: if too stiff, add 1–2 tbsp water; if too wet, add a sprinkle of semolina (not flour).
Oil vs butter: for vegan, use only vegetable oil; for richer flavor, keep some butter in the folds.
Holes while stretching are normal; folds will hide them. Focus on even thinness, not perfection.
Pan heat: aim for steady medium. Too hot = scorch before layers cook; too low = dry, tough msemen.
Make-ahead: keep balls oiled and covered up to 2 hrs at room temp; for longer, refrigerate and bring back to room temp before stretching.
Syrup finish: simmer 30 g butter + 3 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp rose water until bubbly; drizzle on hot msemen.

Msemen Recipe

Here’s How It’s Done:

Notes & Swaps

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