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Moroccan Msemen (Rghaif) Pancakes Recipe

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4 from 8 reviews

Msmen, also known as Rghaif, is a traditional Moroccan flatbread that resembles a pancake but offers a unique flaky, layered texture. Made from a simple dough of semolina, flour, salt, water, and olive oil, these savory or sweet flatbreads are cooked on a hot cast-iron griddle to achieve a golden, crispy exterior and tender inside. Perfect for filling with honey, cheese, chocolate, or any preferred filling, Msmen showcases the rich culinary heritage of Morocco and North Africa.

Ingredients

Dough

  • 400 g fine semolina
  • 400 g flour
  • 10 g salt
  • 500 ml water
  • 125 ml olive oil (divided: 25 ml, 15–20 ml, and remaining for brushing)
  • 4 g fine semolina (for sprinkling)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a deep bowl, combine the semolina, flour, salt, and water. Knead the mixture for one minute until initially combined, then let it rest for 3 minutes. Knead again for about 5 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
  2. Roll Out Dough Strip: Transfer the dough onto a clean work surface and roll it out into a long strip approximately 30 cm (12 inches) in length. Cover with plastic wrap and let rest for about 5 minutes to relax the gluten.
  3. Divide and Shape Dough Balls: Cut the dough strip into 6 equal pieces, each weighing approximately 215 grams. Shape each piece into a smooth round ball.
  4. Initial Flattening and Resting: Grease your work surface with 25 ml of olive oil. Place the dough balls on the oiled surface, grease your hands thoroughly with olive oil, and gently press each ball into a flat square approximately 12 by 12 cm. Let rest for 10 minutes to allow the dough to relax.
  5. Stretch Dough Thin: Generously coat the work surface with 15-20 ml olive oil and sprinkle 4 g fine semolina evenly. Place a flattened dough piece on the surface and, using your greased fingertips, gently and quickly stretch the dough outward from the center to form an ultra-thin circle about 50 cm in diameter. Re-grease hands as needed for easier handling.
  6. Fold into Squares: Fold the thin circular dough inward to create a square shape measuring approximately 15 by 15 cm. Repeat this process for all six portions.
  7. Heat Cooking Surface: Preheat a greased cast-iron pan (anaghdam) over medium-high heat until it is hot and ready for cooking.
  8. Prepare Msemen for Cooking: Sprinkle fine semolina on both sides of each folded dough square. Begin with one msemen on a greased work surface, greasing your hands again to gently flatten its edges with fingertips until the square doubles in size to approximately 23 by 23 cm. Work with one msemen at a time; start preparing the next only when the current one is nearly finished cooking.
  9. Cook Msemen: Place the prepared msemen onto the hot cast-iron pan. Cook for about 30 seconds on one side, then flip. Continue cooking for 1 to 1.5 minutes, rotating the msemen and your hands in a circular motion to ensure even cooking. Flip once more and cook for an additional minute, then repeat flipping and rotating a final time to achieve a uniformly golden and crispy texture.
  10. Brush with Oil and Stack: Once cooked, brush the msemen on both sides lightly with olive oil and stack them to keep warm and soft.
  11. Wrap for Warmth: Wrap the stacked msemen in parchment paper first, then tightly in aluminum foil. This method traps steam, preserving the softness and warmth of the flatbreads until serving.

Notes

  • Msemen is best served warm and can be enjoyed plain or filled with sweet or savory fillings such as honey, cheese, or chocolate.
  • Practice improves technique—handling and stretching the dough thinly requires patience and repetition.
  • Using a cast-iron pan helps develop the signature crispy, golden crust.
  • Greasing hands and the work surface with olive oil throughout the process prevents sticking and aids in dough stretching.
  • Work on one msemen at a time during cooking for optimal texture and timing.
  • Wrapping stacked msemen in parchment and foil is essential to maintain their softness before serving.

Find it online: http://bitezly.com/moroccan-msemen-rghaif-pancakes-recipe/