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Traditional Moroccan Msemen Pancakes

Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Breakfast
Servings 8 servings

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Kitchen Scale
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Clean kitchen towel
  • Rolling Pin
  • Non-stick skillet or griddle
  • Pastry Brush
  • Clean work surface

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups All-purpose flour 240g, or substitute with 1 cup all-purpose + 1 cup whole wheat flour for added nutrition
  • 1 teaspoon Fine sea salt 5g
  • 1 tablespoon Coconut sugar 15g, or substitute with maple syrup or date sugar for natural sweetening
  • 3/4 cup Warm water 180ml, room temperature to slightly warm
  • 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil 30ml, for the dough
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter 60g, melted, or substitute with vegan butter or coconut oil for dairy-free option
  • 2 tablespoons Fine semolina flour 30g, for dusting between layers
  • 1 tablespoon Neutral oil 15ml, 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.

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