Homemade Moroccan Msemmen Recipe

This Moroccan msemen recipe results in a wonderful flatbread that is golden on both sides and slightly soft and pillowy on the inside. Cooked in a skillet, it comes together easier than other bread recipes.

To make the Moroccan msemen, you first make a dough with the flour, durum wheat flour, sugar, yeast, water, and salt. Then, after it has risen, it gets divided into flatbreads and cooked in a pan on the stove until golden. This bread is so satisfying to serve warm with curries, lentil stews, and dips.

What is Moroccan Msemen?

Moroccan msemen are flatbreads that are popular in Morocco and other African countries like Tunisia and Algeria. Commonly, they are served for breakfast or tea with jam, honey, and cheese, but they also get served dipped in a syrup made with butter and honey.

Pro Tips

• Make sure the yeast you use is fresh to ensure that the dough rises sufficiently.
• You will be able to tell that the bread dough has been kneaded enough when it becomes stretchy and elastic.
• Make sure the heat isn’t too high when you cook the Moroccan msemen. The ideal heat level is around medium which will ensure they cook through and become golden without burning.
• Use a non-stick skillet or a heavy cast iron skillet to cook the bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Msemen Sweet or Savory?

Msemen can be served sweet or savory. For a savory breakfast, simply serve them with cheese whereas if you would prefer them to be sweet, you could serve them with jam or honey, or dip them in a honey syrup.

How Can I Prevent the Msemen From Sticking in the Pan?

If you find that your flatbreads are sticking in the pan, you should make sure you are greasing it with enough oil. It is also a good idea to use a pan that is very non-stick such as a well-seasoned cast iron pan or another skillet with a non-stick coating.

Can I Freeze Moroccan Msemen?

Yes, you can! Simply place them in a sealed bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Then, you can warm them up in a pan on the stove or in the oven when you plan to serve them.

How to Store Moroccan Msemen

Leftover Moroccan msemen can be stored in a sealed bag or container at room temperature for up to 2 to 3 days. However, if you would like to store them for longer, you could put them in the freezer for no more than 3 months.

How to Make Moroccan Msemen

Step 1

Step 1

Cook each dough in a skillet set over medium heat until golden on both sides.

In a bowl, mix the flour with the durum wheat flour, sugar, yeast, and salt until combined, and knead it until a smooth dough forms. Place it in a bowl, cover it, and allow it to rest for 15 minutes.

Step 2

Step 2

Serve and enjoy!

Transfer the dough to a clean surface and cut it into 12 pieces. Shape them into balls, place them on a tray, cover them with plastic wrap, and allow them to rest for another 15 minutes.

Step 3

Step 3

Mix the sunflower oil with the baking powder in a small bowl.

Step 4

Step 4

Grease a working surface with the oil. Place a ball of dough on the surface and stretch it into a large square with your hands.

Step 5

Step 5

Brush it with some of the oil, sprinkle it with durum semolina, and fold it into a square. Repeat with the remaining balls of dough.

Step 6

Step 6

Cook each dough in a skillet set over medium heat until golden on both sides.

Step 7

Step 7

Serve and enjoy!