Recipe
M'semen - Moroccan Flaky Pancakes
Savory Moroccan Delight: M'semen - Flaky Pancakes with a Twist
4.8 out of 5
Indulge in the flavors of Moroccan cuisine with M'semen, a traditional dish that combines the richness of pancakes with a unique flaky texture. This recipe takes you on a culinary journey through the vibrant streets of Morocco, where M'semen is a beloved breakfast or snack option.
Metadata
Preparation time
30 minutes
Cooking time
20 minutes
Total time
50 minutes
Yields
4 servings
Preparation difficulty
Medium
Suitable for
Vegetarian, Vegan (if butter is substituted with plant-based butter), Dairy-free (if butter is substituted with plant-based butter)
Allergens
Wheat, Dairy (if not using plant-based butter)
Not suitable for
Gluten-free, Nut-free
Ingredients
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2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
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1 cup (150g) semolina flour 1 cup (150g) semolina flour
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1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
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1 teaspoon sugar 1 teaspoon sugar
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1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 cup (240ml) warm water 1 cup (240ml) warm water
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1/4 cup (60ml) melted butter 1/4 cup (60ml) melted butter
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1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
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Additional vegetable oil for frying Additional vegetable oil for frying
Nutrition
- Calories (kcal / KJ): 250 kcal / 1046 KJ
- Fat: 10g (Saturated Fat: 4g)
- Carbohydrates: 35g (Sugar: 1g)
- Protein: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Salt: 1g
Preparation
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1.In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder.
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2.Gradually add warm water to the dry ingredients, mixing well until a soft dough forms.
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3.Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
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4.Divide the dough into 8 equal portions and shape them into balls. Let them rest for 10 minutes.
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5.In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and vegetable oil.
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6.Take one dough ball and flatten it with your hands. Brush the surface with the butter-oil mixture.
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7.Stretch the dough gently from the edges, folding it over itself to create layers. Repeat this process with the remaining dough balls.
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8.Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a drizzle of vegetable oil.
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9.Cook each M'semen for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
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10.Remove from the pan and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
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11.Serve M'semen warm with honey, powdered sugar, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Treat your ingredients with care...
- Semolina flour — Semolina flour adds a unique texture and flavor to M'semen. If you can't find semolina flour, you can substitute it with fine cornmeal or regular flour, although the texture may differ slightly.
- Warm water — Using warm water helps activate the yeast in the dough, resulting in a softer and more elastic texture. Make sure the water is not too hot to avoid killing the yeast.
Tips & Tricks
- To achieve the flaky texture, make sure to brush each layer of dough with the butter-oil mixture generously.
- If the dough becomes too sticky while kneading, lightly dust your hands and the surface with flour.
- For a sweeter version, you can add a pinch of cinnamon or orange blossom water to the dough.
- M'semen is best enjoyed fresh and warm, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat them in a toaster or oven.
- Experiment with different fillings such as cheese, spinach, or ground meat to create savory variations.
Serving advice
Serve M'semen as a delicious breakfast or snack option. Pair it with a cup of Moroccan mint tea for an authentic experience.
Presentation advice
Arrange the M'semen on a platter, folded or rolled, and sprinkle them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Drizzle honey or a flavored syrup over the pancakes for added sweetness and visual appeal.
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