Homemade Msemen (Crispy Moroccan Pancake, Rghaif)

Msemen, also known as Rghaif, is a delightful square-shaped, flaky Moroccan pancake or flatbread crafted from a blend of plain wheat flour and semolina. It is savoured for breakfast or paired with Moroccan Mint Tea in the evenings. Its versatility allows for various serving options, as explored below.

Msemen Recipe

– The semolina quantity in the dough is subjective; you can adjust it based on personal preference.

– Best enjoyed warm, Msemen exhibits a slightly flaky texture when generous and becomes chewy when cold—Reheat briefly in a pan or griddle with a touch of oil.

– Butter and semolina between layers contribute to distinctive layers, akin to a croissant. While butter is optional, semolina is essential for texture.

– The amount of oil used during cooking influences the fluffiness of Msemen. More oil produces a fluffier pancake, while less oil yields a stiffer bread.

Ingredients of Msemen Recipe

– 300g plain flour

– 200g fine semolina

– ½ tsp dry yeast

– 1 tsp salt

– 2 tsp sugar

– 300ml warm water

– 100g butter at room temperature (optional)

– Extra flour for kneading

*For rolling and cooking:*

– 100ml vegetable oil (approximate)

– Extra semolina for folding

– ½ tsp baking powder

Preparing Msemen Recipe

Mixing and resting the dough:

1. Combine the first five dry ingredients in a bowl, gradually adding water until a non-sticky dough forms.

2. Knead the dough, then divide it into 12 balls on an oiled baking sheet. Allow them to rest and proof for 30 minutes.

Rolling and cooking Msemen:

1. Mix semolina and baking powder.

2. Flatten each ball, dot with butter, sprinkle with semolina mix, and fold multiple times.

3. Let the folded dough balls rest for an additional 10 minutes.

4. Enlarge each square-shaped piece and cook in a pan with oil, pressing down for even browning.

5. Serve warm with butter, honey, or cream cheese.

Enjoy the delightful Msemen in various ways, experimenting with fillings and toppings to suit your taste preferences!

Moroccan Msemen Trivia

• The term Msemen translates to “oiled” in Arabic, reflecting its preparation that involves a generous amount of oil.
• Interestingly, its square shape transforms into Meloui when made round.
• Msemen offers diverse serving possibilities, such as with honey, butter, sugar, or cream cheese. It can also be stuffed with beef, chicken, vegetables, or cheese, presenting endless culinary possibilities.

Nutritional Information:

– Calories: 287 kcal

– Carbohydrates: 32g

– Protein: 5g

– Fat: 16g

  – Saturated Fat: 11g

– Cholesterol: 18mg

– Sodium: 254mg

– Potassium: 79mg

– Fiber: 1g

– Sugar: 1g

– Vitamin A: 208 IU

– Calcium: 16mg

– Iron: 2mg