Msemen Flaky Square Flatbread

Name: Msemen Flaky Square Flatbread
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: North African
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 6 tbsp fine semolina; 1 tsp fine salt; 1 tsp granulated sugar; 1 tsp instant yeast; 1 cup warm water; 6 tbsp vegetable oil; 4 tbsp fine semolina (for layering)

Moroccan layered square flatbread with a crispy, flaky exterior and tender, buttery interior created by folding semolina-enriched dough with oil. Plan ahead: the dough needs 20 minutes to rest.

60 minMediumServes 4260 cal/serving

North AfricanBreakfastStovetopVeganHalal-friendlyDairy-FreeEgg-FreePork-FreeAlcohol-FreeNightshade-Free

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
6 tbsp fine semolina
1 tsp fine salt
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 tsp instant yeast
1 cup warm water
6 tbsp vegetable oil
4 tbsp fine semolina (for layering)

Instructions

1

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 6 tbsp fine semolina, 1 tsp fine salt, 1 tsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp instant yeast.
2

Add 1 cup warm water gradually and mix until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Knead for 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
3

Divide the dough into 8 equal balls. Coat each ball lightly with 6 tbsp vegetable oil. Cover and rest for 20 minutes.
4

Oil your work surface generously. Take one dough ball and press it flat with oiled hands into a very thin round, about 10 inches across.
5

Drizzle a little oil across the surface and sprinkle with a pinch of 4 tbsp fine semolina (for layering). Fold the left third over the center, then the right third over that to form a rectangle. Now fold the top third down and the bottom third up to form a square packet.
6

Press the square flat again gently and repeat with remaining dough balls.
7

Heat a dry non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Cook each flatbread square for 2 to 3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden and crispy with darker spots. Serve immediately with honey or olive oil.

Questions

Can I make Msemen Flaky Square Flatbread gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in this entry is 2 cups all-purpose flour, 6 tbsp fine semolina, 4 tbsp fine semolina (for layering). Swap the flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend (where it only thickens a sauce, half as much cornstarch also works). Everything else proceeds as written.

How long does Msemen Flaky Square Flatbread keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Msemen Flaky Square Flatbread?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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