Authentic Moroccan Meloui Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

  • 500 grams of all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons of salt
  • 2 teaspoons of sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon of active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 cups of warm water
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, plus extra for greasing the dough
  • 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter
  • 1 cup of semolina flour

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, sugar, and yeast.
  2. Add the warm water to the mixture and stir until you have a smooth dough. Knead the dough for about 10 minutes until it becomes elastic.
  3. Leave the dough to rest for 15 minutes then divide it into small balls. Set aside.
  4. Mix the vegetable oil and the melted butter in a bowl. Dip each ball of dough into the mixture, then roll out each ball into a long, thin strip.
  5. Sprinkle each strip with semolina flour, then roll up the strip into a snake shape. Coil the snake shape into a round, flat spiral.
  6. Repeat this process with each ball of dough, then leave the coiled dough to rest for 15 minutes.
  7. Preheat a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Cook each coil of dough for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
  8. Serve the Meloui warm. Enjoy!

Tools for making

  • Mixing bowl - A large bowl to combine the ingredients and knead the dough.
  • Non-stick frying pan - To cook the Meloui on the stovetop.
  • Rolling pin - Used to roll out the dough into thin strips.
  • Brush - To brush the dough with the oil and butter mixture.
  • Spatula - To flip the Meloui while cooking.

Recipe variations

  • Using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option.
  • Adding a filling such as cheese, vegetables, or minced meat before rolling up the dough.
  • Experimenting with different spices and herbs to flavor the dough, such as cumin, paprika, or dried herbs.
  • Replacing the vegetable oil with olive oil or melted butter for a different taste.
  • Making mini Meloui by dividing the dough into smaller balls and rolling them out into smaller coils.
  • Trying a sweet version of Meloui by adding honey or cinnamon to the dough and serving with powdered sugar on top.
  • Making a gluten-free version by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Creating a vegan version by substituting the butter with margarine or coconut oil and using plant-based milk instead of water.

Recipe overview

This traditional Moroccan recipe for Meloui, a type of Moroccan pancake or crepe, is sure to delight your taste buds with its unique flavor and texture. Made from simple ingredients like flour, yeast, and semolina, these pancakes are rolled into a spiral shape before being fried to a golden brown. Each bite offers a lovely crisp exterior with a soft, chewy interior. This recipe is perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, served warm with honey, jam, or a savory filling of your choice. Despite the intricate look of these pancakes, the process of making them is quite straightforward and you'll soon be making them like a pro. Give this recipe a try and bring a taste of Morocco to your kitchen!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour for a healthier version of Meloui.
  2. Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast? Yes, you can use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast. However, keep in mind that the rising time might be shorter when using instant yeast.
  3. Can I make the dough in advance? Yes, you can make the dough in advance. After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and cooking.
  4. Can I freeze Meloui? Yes, you can freeze Meloui. Once cooked, allow them to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container or freezer bags. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm them in a pan or the oven.
  5. Can I use a different type of oil? Yes, you can use olive oil or any other neutral-tasting oil as a substitute for vegetable oil in this recipe.
  6. Can I make smaller or larger Meloui? Yes, you can adjust the size of the Meloui according to your preference. For smaller Meloui, divide the dough into more balls and roll them out into smaller strips. For larger Meloui, divide the dough into fewer balls and roll them out into larger strips.
  7. Can I add fillings to the Meloui? Yes, you can add fillings such as cheese, olives, or cooked vegetables to the Meloui before rolling them up. Simply sprinkle the fillings evenly on the dough strips before coiling them into a spiral shape.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Meloui, often known as Moroccan Pancake, is a traditional breakfast staple hailing from the vibrant and culinary-rich country of Morocco. It's a beloved food, deeply embedded in the Moroccan culture, often enjoyed with a cup of mint tea. The art of making Meloui is often passed down through generations, with each family adding a unique touch to the basic recipe. Meloui gets its name from the Arabic word 'Malwi' which means rolled, perfectly fitting its distinctive coiled, spiral shape that's as much a visual delight as it is a treat to the taste buds.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.

As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commission from qualifying purchases after you click on affiliate product links (thanks for that). But we hope the links will be relevant and beneficial to you as well.

Get popular new recipes in your Inbox once a week.