FoodieAtlas
Recipes around the World
Seffa is a beloved Moroccan dessert featuring steamed couscous sweetened and often served with a rich chicken stew. It's a dish that celebrates the country's culinary heritage, often enjoyed during special occasions and family gatherings. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes Seffa a memorable treat.
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the ground ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, salt, and saffron (if using). Stir well to combine.
Add the chicken pieces to the pot and brown on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Add the rinsed lentils and raisins to the pot.
Continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the lentils are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
Stir in the chopped cilantro and parsley.
Adjust seasoning if needed.
In a large bowl, mix the flour, semolina, and salt.
Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough for about 5 minutes, then cover with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
Divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball).
On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thin, round flatbread.
Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook each flatbread for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
Brush with melted butter while still warm.
Tear the msemen into pieces and place them in a serving dish.
Spoon the chicken stew over the msemen.
Cook the couscous according to the package instructions. Generally, you will need to steam the couscous or add boiling water and let it sit covered until tender. Fluff the couscous with a fork once it is cooked.
In a large pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the cooked couscous to the pan and stir to coat it with the butter. Sprinkle the powdered sugar and ground cinnamon over the couscous. Stir well to combine. Add the toasted almonds, raisins, and chickpeas. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly. If you want a creamier texture, you can add a little milk at this stage. Stir well until the couscous is slightly moistened.
Transfer the Seffa to a serving dish. Dust with additional powdered sugar and ground cinnamon. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Enjoy your meal!
Seffa is a traditional Moroccan dessert made from steamed couscous, sweetened with sugar and often topped with almonds or cinnamon.
Seffa originates from Morocco and is a staple in Moroccan cuisine, often enjoyed during feasts and celebrations.
Key ingredients include couscous, sugar, butter, almonds, cinnamon, and sometimes chicken.
Seffa takes about 90-110 minutes to prepare and cook.
Seffa is often served with a sweetened chicken stew or can be enjoyed on its own as a dessert.