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Moroccan Flatbread (Msmen) Recipe

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4.4 from 13 reviews

Msmen is a traditional Moroccan flatbread known for its flaky, layered texture and golden, crispy exterior. Made from a simple mixture of all-purpose flour and semolina, this bread is carefully stretched, folded, and toasted on a skillet to achieve its signature layers. It is perfect served warm with honey, butter, or olive oil, making it an ideal accompaniment for breakfast or tea time.

  • Total Time: 2 hours
  • Yield: 8 servings (16 msmen squares)

Ingredients

Dough Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup fine semolina flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 ½ cups warm water
  • ¼ cup oil

For Folding & Layering

  • ½ cup butter, melted
  • ½ cup semolina (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, fine semolina flour, salt, sugar, and warm water. Knead the mixture thoroughly on a clean surface until it forms a stretchy, non-sticky dough. Transfer the dough to an oiled bowl and cover with a clean towel. Let it rest for 30 minutes to relax and hydrate the dough.
  2. Work the dough: After resting, knead the dough briefly to release any air bubbles. Divide the dough into 16 equal-sized balls, approximately 56 grams each. Place the balls on an oiled cutting board or tray, cover again with a clean towel, and let rest for an additional 30 minutes to become more pliable.
  3. Shape the msmen: Oil your hands and work surface. Take one dough ball and flatten it into a super thin layer, stretching it carefully until you can see the counter through the dough. Sprinkle the surface evenly with the melted butter and semolina mixture. Fold two opposite sides of the dough towards the center, sprinkling butter and semolina as you fold. Then fold the other two opposite sides similarly, forming a square layered shape, with additional sprinklings of butter and semolina.
  4. Continue shaping the msmen: Take a second dough ball and flatten it as before. Sprinkle with butter and semolina. Place the folded square from the previous step in the center of this flattened dough. Fold two opposite ends over the square, adding butter and semolina, then fold the remaining two opposite ends and sprinkle again. Flatten the resulting square carefully to remove air bubbles and create an even layer.
  5. Finish prepping the dough: Repeat the folding and layering process until all the dough balls are shaped into square msmen, ensuring each one is well coated with butter and semolina for distinct layers.
  6. Toast the msmen: Heat an oiled skillet over medium heat. Cook each flatbread by toasting it on each side until it puffs slightly and turns golden brown. Flip regularly to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. Serve warm, ideally with honey and butter or olive oil for dipping.

Notes

  • Using warm water helps activate the gluten for a stretchier dough.
  • Resting the dough twice is crucial to make it easier to stretch thin without tearing.
  • Cooking over medium heat prevents burning and allows the msmen to cook evenly and puff up.
  • Using semolina in the dough and for sprinkling adds a bit of texture and helps with crispness.
  • Butter can be substituted with oil for a lighter version, but traditional msmen uses butter for flavor.
  • Msmen can be stored and reheated in a skillet to regain crispness if made ahead.
  • Author: Amelia
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Bread
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Moroccan

Find it online: https://recipesvibe.com/moroccan-flatbread-msmen-recipe/