2cupsAll-purpose flour240g, or substitute with 1 cup all-purpose + 1 cup whole wheat flour for added nutrition
1teaspoonFine sea salt5g
1tablespoonCoconut sugar15g, or substitute with maple syrup or date sugar for natural sweetening
3/4cupWarm water180ml, room temperature to slightly warm
2tablespoonsExtra virgin olive oil30ml, for the dough
4tablespoonsUnsalted butter60g, melted, or substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil for dairy-free option
2tablespoonsFine semolina flour30g, for dusting between layers
1tablespoonNeutral oil15ml, for cooking, such as avocado or sunflower oil
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups (240g) flour, 1 teaspoon (5g) salt, and 1 tablespoon (15g) coconut sugar until evenly combined.
Create a well in the center and add 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water and 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn the dough onto a clean work surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. The dough should feel slightly tacky but not sticky - add 1-2 tablespoons flour if too wet, or 1 tablespoon water if too dry.
Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp kitchen towel, and let rest for 20 minutes to relax the gluten.
Divide the rested dough into 8 equal portions (about 60g each). Roll each portion into a smooth ball and cover with a damp towel.
On a lightly floured surface, roll one ball into a thin circle about 8 inches (20cm) in diameter. The dough should be thin enough to see your hand through it, but not tearing.
Brush the entire surface with melted butter and sprinkle lightly with semolina flour. This creates the flaky layers.
Fold the circle in half to create a semicircle, then fold in half again to form a quarter-circle triangle. Gently press to seal the layers without squashing.
Repeat with remaining dough balls. Let the folded triangles rest for 10 minutes before the final rolling.
Gently roll each triangle into a circle about 6 inches (15cm) in diameter, being careful not to press too hard and break the layers.
Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly brush with neutral oil.
Cook each msemen for 2-3 minutes on the first side until golden brown spots appear and the edges start to crisp.
Flip carefully with a spatula and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the second side is golden and the pancake puffs slightly.
Transfer to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm while cooking the remaining pancakes.
Serve immediately while warm with honey, jam, or your favorite accompaniment.
Notes
VISUAL DONENESS CUES:
Look for golden brown spots and slightly puffed layers when the msemen is ready to flip. The edges should appear set and lightly crispy.TROUBLESHOOTING:
If dough tears during rolling, let it rest 5 more minutes. If msemen turns out tough, reduce cooking heat and ensure dough was properly rested. For extra flaky layers, chill shaped triangles for 15 minutes before final rolling.MAKE-AHEAD:
Shaped triangles can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw frozen triangles completely before final rolling and cooking.STORAGE:
Store leftover cooked msemen in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a dry skillet over low heat to restore crispiness.