Chicken-Filled Msmen
Chicken-Filled Msmen Recipe: A Culinary Delight Ready to Impress
Embarking on a culinary journey often leads us to exciting flavors and unique textures. This Chicken-Filled Msmen recipe brings a delightful twist to traditional Moroccan street food, merging tender chicken with a flaky, stuffed pastry. You might find yourself turning to this flavorful dish for a family gathering, a cozy dinner, or when you’re in the mood for something special yet simple. The best part? It’s versatile enough to adapt to various taste preferences.
“I made Chicken-Filled Msmen for my family and they loved it! The flavors were incredible, and it was so easy to make. Will definitely be adding this to our regular dinner rotation!” – A satisfied home cook.
Reasons to Try It
What makes Chicken-Filled Msmen stand out? For one, it’s a delightful balance of textures and flavors that caters to both adults and kids alike. This dish is also incredibly budget-friendly; you’ll find that the ingredients are generally staples in your pantry. Plus, Msmen are perfect for any occasion—from a weeknight dinner to brunch with friends.
Whether paired with a fresh salad or brunch spread, these stuffed pastries are sure to please and impress. And let’s not forget the satisfaction that comes from mastering the art of filling and folding them just right.
Preparing Chicken-Filled Msmen
When making Chicken-Filled Msmen, you’ll find that the process is straightforward and rewarding. Start by gathering your ingredients. The preparation involves making a dough, filling it with spiced chicken, and pan-frying it until golden and crispy. Each step comes together seamlessly, allowing you to enjoy the process. Here’s a brief overview:
- Prepare the dough and let it rest.
- Cook the spiced chicken filling.
- Form the Msmen with the filling.
- Fry until golden and serve warm.
What You’ll Need
To get started, here are the key ingredients for your Chicken-Filled Msmen:
- 500 g flour
- 7 g salt
- 12 g honey
- 275 ml water
- 6 g baking powder
- 5 ml sunflower oil
- 220 g yellow onion, chopped
- 550 g chicken thighs, finely chopped
- 5 g ras el hanout
- 2 g turmeric powder
- 3 g cayenne powder
- 3 g garlic powder
- 4 g salt
- 1 g dried parsley
- 10 ml olive oil
- Cheese slices (your choice)
- Sunflower oil for frying
Feel free to swap chicken with a plant-based option or make adjustments based on dietary needs. You can opt for low-sodium alternatives for guests watching their salt intake.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Prepare the Dough:
Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Create a well in the center and pour in honey and water. Mix for 10-12 minutes until you achieve a smooth consistency. -
Knead and Rest:
Incorporate sunflower oil, kneading for another minute. Cover the dough and allow it to rest for 30 minutes. -
Cook the Filling:
In a medium frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped yellow onion for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add finely chopped chicken thighs along with ras el hanout, turmeric, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked. Stir in dried parsley and let the filling cool completely. -
Shape the Dough:
Divide the rested dough into 9 pieces (about 85 g each) and shape them into balls. Grease your hands with oil, flatten a dough ball on an oiled surface, and let it rest for another 30 minutes. -
Stretch the Dough:
Grease your surface again and gently stretch each ball into a thin sheet, about 38 x 33 cm. Use a pizza cutter to make small cuts on the edges for easier folding. -
Fill and Fold:
Place a slice of cheese on the dough, then add a portion of the chicken mixture. Fold the dough from left to right to secure the filling inside. -
Cook the Msmen:
Place the filled Msmen on parchment paper. Fry in a pan over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and fully cooked.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Chicken-Filled Msmen can be served warm on their own or with sides to elevate the meal. Pair with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad, or dish it up with a zesty yogurt sauce. You could also consider serving with spicy harissa or tahini to double down on the flavor.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To ensure your Chicken-Filled Msmen remain delectable, store any leftovers in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer bag. They will last for about a month in the freezer.
When re-heating, gently pan-fry them from frozen or thaw them overnight in the fridge and then reheat in a hot skillet for the best results.
Pro Chef Tips
- Dough Handling: If you find the dough tearing, keep your hands lightly oiled to help stretch it without breaking.
- Filling Variations: Get creative with the filling! Consider using different meats, or even a vegetarian mix of sautéed vegetables or beans.
- Batch Cooking: Make extra for meal prep. These Msmen freeze beautifully, providing you with quick meals in the future!
Creative Twists
Not all Chicken-Filled Msmen need to be the same! Try adding different spices or cheeses for a unique flavor profile. You could swap in some feta or goat cheese for a tangy kick or incorporate spinach or other vegetables into the filling for added nutrition.
Common Questions
Q: What is Msmen?
A: Msmen is a traditional Moroccan flatbread, known for its flaky texture, often filled with various ingredients, both sweet and savory.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and store it in the fridge, tightly wrapped.
Q: What to do if I can’t find ras el hanout?
A: If you can’t obtain ras el hanout, try a blend of cumin, coriander, and cinnamon as a substitute to mimic its warmth and complexity.
Embark on this culinary adventure and indulge in the satisfying experience of making Chicken-Filled Msmen. You’ll impress your guests and create lasting memories around the dinner table.
Chicken-Filled Msmen
Ingredients
Method
- Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Create a well in the center and pour in honey and water. Mix for 10-12 minutes until you achieve a smooth consistency.
- Incorporate sunflower oil, kneading for another minute. Cover the dough and allow it to rest for 30 minutes.
- In a medium frying pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped yellow onion for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add finely chopped chicken thighs along with ras el hanout, turmeric, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt. Cook for 6-7 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Stir in dried parsley and let the filling cool completely.
- Divide the rested dough into 9 pieces (about 85 g each) and shape them into balls.
- Grease your hands with oil, flatten a dough ball on an oiled surface, and let it rest for another 30 minutes.
- Grease your surface again and gently stretch each ball into a thin sheet, about 38 x 33 cm.
- Use a pizza cutter to make small cuts on the edges for easier folding.
- Place a slice of cheese on the dough, then add a portion of the chicken mixture.
- Fold the dough from left to right to secure the filling inside.
- Place the filled Msmen on parchment paper. Fry in a pan over medium heat until both sides are golden brown and fully cooked.
