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Close up photo of Moroccan Msemen flatbread stacked on a white plate showing flaky golden layers
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Easy Moroccan Msemen Recipe for Flaky Layered Bread

This authentic Moroccan Msemen recipe creates perfectly flaky, buttery, layered flatbreads made with a simple dough of flour and semolina. Ideal for breakfast with honey or mint tea, this traditional bread is easy to prepare at home using straightforward folding and cooking techniques.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Traditional Moroccan Recipes
Cuisine: Moroccan, North African
Calories: 165
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • | Amount | Unit | Name | Notes |
  • | 2 | cups | all purpose flour | |
  • | 1 | cup | fine semolina | |
  • | 1 | tsp | salt | |
  • | 1 | cup | warm water | Add gradually |
  • | 2 | tbsp | vegetable oil | For coating dough balls |
  • | Amount | Unit | Name | Notes |
  • | 3 | tbsp | melted butter | |
  • | 3 | tbsp | vegetable oil | |
  • | 2 | tbsp | fine semolina | For sprinkling between layers |

Method
 

  1. Instruction 1
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, semolina, and salt. Gradually add warm water while kneading until the dough becomes smooth, elastic, and soft.
  3. Instruction 2
  4. Divide the dough into small equal balls. Coat each ball with a little oil and let them rest for fifteen minutes.
  5. Instruction 3
  6. Lightly oil your surface. Take one dough ball and stretch it into a very thin, almost transparent sheet using your hands.
  7. Instruction 4
  8. Brush the stretched dough sheet with the melted butter and oil mixture, then sprinkle a little semolina over the surface.
  9. Instruction 5
  10. Fold the dough from both sides into the center, brush again, then fold top and bottom into a square. Repeat for all dough balls.
  11. Instruction 6
  12. Allow the folded squares to rest briefly, then flatten gently with your hand to form medium thickness squares.
  13. Instruction 7
  14. Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat. Cook each Msemen square for two to three minutes per side until golden and crisp, pressing gently while cooking.
  15. Instruction 8
  16. Serve warm with honey, butter, cheese, or Moroccan mint tea.

Notes

This Msemen recipe freezes well. Once cooked, allow them to cool before packing them in airtight bags. Reheat gently on a warm skillet to restore softness and flakiness.