Facts About Msemen
M'semen or msemen, is a rich traditional flatbread originally from the Maghreb, common to Algeria, Tunisia and Morocco. It is usually served with honey or a cup of aromatic morning mint tea or coffee. M'semen can also be stuffed with meat.
Etymology
The original name is derived from the Berber word msemen, meaning "well baked," "well kneaded". There is a variety that is made from pulling the dough into strands and forming a disk that is also called melwi in North west Africa. It is also similar to the Somali sabaayah.
Recipe
The recipe uses flour, durum wheat semolina, dry yeast, melted butter, salt, sugar and a bit of water. These are mixed well together into a smooth dough mixture. The dough is cut into several balls, which are then rolled out on an oiled surface and folded into square pancakes. The goal being to spread the dough into the thinnest square or circle and then fold the sides back into a square, creating the signature layers of dough. Once the m'semen is folded, another is spread which is used to envelope a prior folded m'semen so as to create about 8 internal layers of dough. The key being that while one is folding, one must sprinkle semolina on the layers to prevent the layers from sticking entirely and to allow for the heat to then separate the layers when cooked on a griddle.
Tunisia