Msemen (Moroccan Square Pancakes)

Name: Msemen (Moroccan Square Pancakes)
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 41 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 400 g All-purpose flour; 250 ml Warm water; 1 tsp Salt; 75 g Butter, melted; 75 ml Vegetable oil (for cooking); 3 tbsp Olive oil (for finishing); 2 tbsp Honey (for serving); 50 g Sesame seeds (optional)

Flaky, folded Moroccan layered flatbread with a crispy exterior and tender interior. Traditionally served with honey and olive oil.

Recipe byChef Amina

Prep 35 min
Cook 6 min
Serves 6

Bread Flatbread moroccan msemen

Ingredients

Servings

Scaled from 6 base servings — local only.

400 gAll-purpose flour
250 mlWarm water
1 tspSalt
75 gButter, melted
75 mlVegetable oil (for cooking)
3 tbspOlive oil (for finishing)
2 tbspHoney (for serving)
50 gSesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

Make dough: In a bowl, combine all-purpose flour, warm water, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5–10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
Rest dough: Oil your work surface lightly. Divide dough into 6 equal balls. Cover with a damp towel and let rest for 15–20 minutes.
Stretch dough: Working with one ball at a time, stretch the dough very thin on an oiled surface (it should be almost transparent). Brush with melted butter.
Fold: Fold the stretched dough like an envelope: fold in the sides, then fold in half. This creates the layers.
Cook msemen: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each folded dough square for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Press gently with a spatula during cooking for even browning.
Finish and serve: Transfer to a plate and brush with olive oil. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with sesame seeds if using. Serve warm.