Soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and perfect for breakfast, tea time, or savory fillings.
Ingredients (Makes about 12–14 msemen)
Dough
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup fine semolina (or extra flour if needed)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 ½ cups warm water (add gradually)
For Folding & Cooking
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¼ cup melted butter (or more oil)
- Extra fine semolina (for sprinkling)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Make the Dough
- In a large bowl, mix flour, semolina, salt, and sugar.
- Slowly add warm water while mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Knead for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic (very important!).
- Divide into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).
- Coat each ball lightly with oil, cover, and let rest 20–30 minutes.
Shape the Msemen
- Grease your work surface with oil.
- Take one dough ball and flatten it with oiled hands.
- Stretch gently into a very thin circle (almost transparent).
- Brush lightly with oil + butter mixture.
- Sprinkle a little semolina.
Folding Method (Classic Square):**
- Fold the left side inward, then the right.
- Fold the top down, then the bottom up → square shape.
(You can also roll it like a spiral if you prefer the round look.)
- Set aside and repeat with all dough.
Final Flattening
- Take each folded square and gently flatten it into a thin square or round.
- Don’t press too hard — keep the layers intact.
Cook the Msemen
- Heat a non-stick or cast-iron pan over medium heat.
- Cook each msemen 2–3 minutes per side, flipping often.
- Press gently so it cooks evenly.
- It should be golden with crispy spots.
How to Serve
- Drizzle with honey + melted butter
- Serve with mint tea
- Or fill with:
- Cheese
- Ground meat
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Honey & almonds
Tips for Perfect Layers
- Resting the dough is KEY
- The thinner you stretch, the flakier it gets
- Oil generously — this is not a low-fat bread
- Keep cooked msemen covered with a towel to stay soft
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
- Freeze cooked msemen up to 2 months
- Reheat in a pan — never microwave for crispiness