Hello, Lykkers! Are you ready to dive into a delightful and delicious Moroccan recipe? Today, we're going to make Msemen, a flaky, soft bread that is perfect for any occasion.

Whether you're craving a snack or looking to spice up your meals, this bread has a special charm. With its crispy exterior and tender layers, it's an irresistible treat to try. Follow this simple and easy recipe to enjoy the taste of Morocco in your kitchen!

Ingredients

For the dough:

- 410 g warm water

- 1 g fresh yeast

- 110 g semolina flour

- 15 g salt

- 10 g sugar

- 510 g all-purpose flour

For the filling and cooking:

- 100 g sunflower or corn oil

- 1 tsp baking powder

- 30 g semolina flour (for dusting)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the dough

In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, yeast, semolina flour, salt, and sugar. Stir to dissolve the yeast and ensure all ingredients are well mixed.

Gradually add the all-purpose flour and knead the mixture until it forms a soft dough. The dough should be smooth and elastic, but not sticky.

Once the dough is ready, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for about 15 minutes.

Step 2: Divide the dough into small balls

After the dough has rested, lightly oil your work surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and knead it a bit to smooth it out. Then, divide it into approximately 10 equal portions, shaping each portion into a small ball, about 105 grams each. Let these dough balls rest for another 15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the oils and semolina

While the dough balls are resting, prepare two bowls. In one bowl, pour 100 g of oil and add 1 teaspoon of baking powder, mixing well. In the second bowl, place 30 g of semolina flour for dusting.

Step 4: Roll out the dough

Once rested, take a dough ball and place it on a lightly oiled surface. Dip your fingers into the oil mixture and gently stretch the dough into a thin, rectangular shape, as if making a flatbread. Keep the dough well-oiled throughout this process to prevent it from sticking.

Once you have a thin rectangle, brush it with a little more oil, and dust it lightly with semolina flour. Fold one side of the rectangle towards the center and press it down with your fingers. Then, fold the other side over the first, forming a neat rectangle again.

Step 5: Shape into a square

Fold the top and bottom of the rectangle towards the center to create a square shape. Continue this process with each dough ball.

Step 6: Cook the Msemen

Preheat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Lightly oil the pan and place one of the dough squares onto it. Let it cook for a few minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. While the first side is cooking, brush the top with a little oil.

Once the first side is golden, flip the dough square and cook the other side until it also turns golden brown. Repeat the process with the remaining dough squares, adding more oil to the pan as needed.

Serving Suggestions

This Moroccan flaky bread can be served in several ways. Enjoy it warm, either with savory spreads or as a sweet treat. For a quick snack, spread a little chocolate spread or honey, then roll it up for a delightful treat. It pairs beautifully with both savory and sweet fillings, making it versatile for breakfast, lunch, or a snack at any time of the day.

You can also enjoy it with a variety of dips or spreads like cheese or even fresh vegetables. Msemen stays soft and fresh for a couple of days, but it can be reheated in the microwave to enjoy that freshly-baked taste once again.

Start Baking and Enjoy!

Now that you've got the recipe, it's time to get baking! Msemen is a fun and rewarding bread to make, and its crispy layers are absolutely delicious. Whether you're enjoying it with a cup of tea, as part of a hearty meal, or as a sweet snack, this Moroccan delight will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and share your results with us! Happy baking, Lykkers!