Morocco · Africa

Msemen

Oiled dough folded square over square until the layers stack by hand.

Intermediate#63 most lovedUses: Mechanical Lamination
Moroccan msemensquare flatbread pastry

The Chemistry in This Bake

Repeatedly folding oiled dough into a square to build visible internal layers by hand.

Learn the full technique →

Ingredients

  • Semolina
  • All-purpose flour
  • Warm water
  • Yeast
  • Sugar
  • Salt
  • Softened butter
  • Vegetable oil
  • Semolina (for dusting)

Method

  1. Knead flours, yeast, sugar, salt, and water into a very soft dough; rest 30 minutes.

  2. Oil your hands and the work surface generously.

  3. Flatten each ball paper-thin, brush with butter, and dust with semolina.

  4. Fold the edges in to form a square, then fold again.

  5. Flatten gently and repeat the fold for extra layers.

  6. Griddle or pan-fry each square until golden and blistered on both sides.