Moroccan pancakes

Moroccan pancakes: A delicacy with exotic flavors

Introduction

Moroccan pancakes are more than just a dish, they are a true culinary experience. With their fluffy texture and exquisite taste, these pancakes are ideal for breakfast, snack or dessert. They are quick and easy to prepare and the ingredients are affordable, making them perfectly adaptable for any occasion. What's more, they can be served with a variety of fillings, from fragrant sweets to savory cheeses. In this guide, I'll take you step by step through the process of making these delicious pancakes, giving you useful information and tricks to achieve a mouth-watering result.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 350 g quality white flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 large egg
- 200 ml lu lukewarm water
- About 100 ml sunflower oil
- 4 tablespoons of semolina
- Serving fillings: jam (rose, apricot, raspberry), chocolate, cheese or other favorite.

Brief history

Moroccan pancakes, known as 'Baghrir' or 'pancakes with many holes', are a traditional dish used in many North African cultures. They are often served on special occasions, holidays or simply as part of a comforting breakfast. Their fluffy texture and airy appearance is due to the key ingredient, and each bite will take you on a journey of flavors. Moroccan pancakes can be customized to your preferences and can successfully accompany both sweet and savoury dishes.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Preparing the dough
Start by si sifting the flour in a large bowl. This will help aerate the flour, giving a lighter texture to the pancakes. Add the salt, baking powder and sugar. Mix the dry ingredients well with a spatula or fork.

2. Adding the wet ingredients
In the center of the flour mixture, add the egg. Using your hands, mix the ingredients until the egg is fully incorporated. Gradually begin adding the lu lukewarm water, continuing to mix by hand. Ideally, the dough should be neither too sticky nor too dry. If you feel the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more flour. If it is too dry, add a little water.

3. Kneading the dough
Put the dough on a work surface and knead vigorously for about 5 minutes. When the dough becomes elastic and soft, brush it with sunflower oil so that it does not dry out. Tear off small pieces of the dough and form into balls and place them on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Cover with aluminum foil and let them warm for 15 minutes.

4. Forming the pancakes
Once the dough has set, take a ball and place it on the oiled work surface. Flatten it, gently pulling the edges into a thin, transparent circle. Sprinkle a little semolina over the top, then fold the circle in half, followed by the bottom over the top. Then fold in the sides to form a square. Place the formed pancakes back on the parchment-lined tray, covering them again with aluminum foil. Let them rest for another 15 minutes.

5. Cooking the pancakes
Heat a little oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Take the pancakes and, using your fingers, press them down again to spread them out into a square 3 times the size. When the oil is heated through, add the pancake to the skillet. Cook the pancakes for 2-3 minutes on each side, turning only when they turn golden and crispy. When they are done, remove them to a plate with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Serving and variations

Moroccan pancakes can be served with a wide range of fillings. I recommend trying them with rose or apricot jam, which adds a sweet and floral touch. Soft cheeses or melted chocolate are also great options to make them even more delicious. You can experiment with different combinations to find what you like best.

Useful tips

- Flour: Choose a high-quality flour for best results. Wholemeal flour can be used for a healthier version, but the texture will be different.
- Chickpeas: Chickpeas help get that smooth, springy texture. You can use wheat semolina or corn meal, depending on your preference.
- Oil: Make sure the oil is well heated before adding the pancakes to get the perfect crust.

Nutritional benefits

Moroccan pancakes are a good source of carbohydrates, giving you the energy you need for a busy day. White flour is high in fiber, and adding healthy fillings like fruits and cheeses can add extra vitamins and minerals.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of flour?
Yes, you can experiment with wholemeal flour or oat flour, but note that the texture will be different.

2. How can I store pancakes?
Pancakes can be kept in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days. You can reheat them in a pan or in the microwave.

3. Can they be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze pancakes simply by placing them between sheets of baking paper. Be sure to let them cool completely before freezing.

4. What other recipes can they be combined with?
These pancakes are delicious with mint tea or vanilla tea, but they can also be served as a topping for savory dishes such as stews or meat dishes.

In short, Moroccan pancakes are versatile, easy to make and full of flavor. I guarantee that once you try them, they will become a beloved part of your culinary repertoire. I encourage you to play with the ingredients and discover your favorite combinations. So get your ingredients ready and enjoy this unique culinary experience! Bon appétit!