Cign1987
Novice Foodie
Msemen are flaky, melt-in-your-mouth flatbreads that are traditionally enjoyed for breakfast or as an afternoon snack in Morocco. The dough is simple, made with flour, water, yeast, and a touch of olive oil. But the magic lies in the layering technique, which creates a light and airy texture with crispy, flaky layers.
Msemen are typically served warm, spread with a variety of flavorful options like:
Ingredients:
Msemen are typically served warm, spread with a variety of flavorful options like:
- Amlu: A sweet and nutty butter made from almonds.
- Smen: A strong-flavored butter with a pungent aroma, similar to aged Gouda cheese.
- Honey: A classic and simple topping that complements the buttery flavor of the bread.
- Olive Oil and Herbs: A fresh and flavorful option with a touch of salt and pepper.
Ingredients:
- For the Msemen:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- For the Spreads (choose one or two):
- Amlu (sweet almond butter)
- Smen (aged butter)
- Honey
- Olive oil
- Chopped fresh herbs (optional)
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well. Add the warm water and olive oil and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
- Layer the Dough: Punch down the dough and divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle. Brush one circle with olive oil and sprinkle with a bit of flour. Fold the circle in half, then in half again to form a square. Repeat this process with the remaining dough pieces.
- Cook the Msemen: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Brush one msemen with olive oil and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and flaky. Repeat with the remaining msemen.
- Serve: Serve the msemen warm, spread with your chosen topping(s). Enjoy!
- If you don't have amlu or smen, you can substitute them with your favorite nut butter or cheese.
- You can adjust the amount of olive oil used for brushing the dough depending on your desired level of crispiness.
- Leftover msemen can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or oven before serving.