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Baghrir or Moroccan pancakes

Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine Moroccan

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups of semolina fine
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon sugar optional for a slight sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon yeast instant or active dry
  • 3 to 3 1/2 cups warm water
  • Butter or oil for cooking
  • Smen for serving
  • Honey for serving
  • Mint tea for the complete traditional experience

Instructions
 

  • Blend the Batter: Combine the semolina, flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and yeast in a blender. Gradually add the warm water while blending, until the batter is smooth and somewhat runny. The consistency is crucial; it should be thinner than traditional pancake batter but not as thin as crepe batter.
  • Fermentation: Let the batter rest for 20-30 minutes at room temperature to activate the yeast, which will create the bubbles and holes during cooking.
  • Cook: Heat a non-stick skillet or a crepe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease it with butter or oil. Pour a ladleful of batter into the center of the pan, allowing it to spread naturally into a circle. Cook until you see the surface covered with holes and the edges look set, about 2-3 minutes. There is no need to flip baghrir; they cook through from one side.
  • Serve: Stack the cooked baghrir on a plate. Serve warm with your choice of toppings. A traditional choice is a mixture of melted butter and honey, but feel free to experiment with jam, Nutella, or savory options like cooked mushrooms and crème fraîche.

Notes

Batter Consistency: The batter’s consistency is key. If it’s too thick, the characteristic holes won’t form. If it’s too runny, the pancakes will be too thin.
No Flipping Required: Unlike other pancakes, baghrir cooks through from one side, thanks to its thin batter and the steam that builds up due to the holes.