M'semen (Layered Algerian Flatbread)
Algerians are very fond of m'semen, a flatbread made from basic ingredients like flour, semolina, butter, and water. The dough can be sticky to the touch while folding, so oiling the hands is necessary. Some people also fill the pancakes with minced meat and vegetables before frying in oil until they become crisp and golden.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup semolina flour
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt
- ¼ tsp instant yeast
- 1 ½ cups warm water
- Vegetable oil
Ingredients for 4 servings (610 g) · the original recipe
Method
- 1
Combine both flours, sugar, salt, and yeast in a bowl.
- 2
Gradually mix in the warm water until you get a soft dough. If it feels too sticky, mix in a little more all-purpose flour. If too dry, mix in some more water.
- 3
On a lightly-floured surface, knead the dough for 10 minutes or until it is smooth.
- 4
Divide the dough into smaller pieces, and roll each out into very thin rounds.
- 5
Brush each dough round with oil.
- 6
Fold the rounds into square envelope shapes, making 4 folds into the center.
- 7
Cook each flatbread in a hot, lightly-greased skillet until browned.
Stovetop
Recipe from Wikibooks Cookbook, written by Wikibooks contributors. Used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence; the ingredient list and method on this page are taken from that page and edited (its notes, tips and variations are not reproduced), and are available under the same licence. The macros, equipment tags and scaling are Ma Kitchen’s own and are not the source’s figures. Ma Kitchen is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wikibooks Cookbook. Copied on 2026-11-12.
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