Rfissa – Ingredients and Preparation Method for the Traditional Moroccan Dish

Rfissa – Ingredients and Preparation Method for the Traditional Moroccan Dish

Rfissa is one of the most famous and beloved dishes in Moroccan cuisine, often served during colder weather as it provides warmth. The dish is labor-intensive and takes time to prepare, as you first need to make msemen (a type of Moroccan flatbread) followed by the chicken stew.

From Arabicook.com, here are the ingredients and preparation method for Moroccan Rfissa.

Ingredients for Rfissa

For the Msemen (Flatbread) Dough:

• 1 kilogram of whole wheat flour
• 250 grams of white flour
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• Water
• Salt to taste

For the Chicken Stew:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into 4 pieces
• 2 onions, sliced
• 10 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup parsley leaves
• 1 cup cilantro leaves
• 2 cups lentils
• ½ cup olive oil
• 1 large tablespoon of smen (Moroccan preserved butter)
• ¼ teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup fenugreek seeds
• 1 teaspoon ras el hanout (Moroccan spice mix)
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 small teaspoon saffron

How to Prepare Rfissa

1. Prepare the Msemen (Flatbread):
   In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, white flour, and salt. Gradually add water while kneading with your hands until you have a smooth, firm dough.

2. Shape the Dough:
   Divide the dough into small balls. Flatten each ball slightly, brush it with oil, and pair two dough balls together. Use your fingers to press and flatten the paired dough balls, then brush them with oil again and roll them out into thin sheets.

3. Cook the Msemen:
   Heat a little oil in a pan over low heat. Once the oil is hot, cook each flattened piece of dough until it turns golden brown on the bottom, then flip it over and cook the other side. Repeat this process until all the msemen is cooked. Cut the msemen into small pieces and set aside.

4. Prepare the Chicken Stew:
   In a large pot, combine the chicken, smen, olive oil, salt, ginger, garlic, saffron, turmeric, and ras el hanout. Mix the ingredients well to coat the chicken with the spices. Let it marinate for 60 minutes in the refrigerator.

5. Cook the Chicken:
   After marinating, place the chicken with its marinade and any accumulated juices into a pot. Add water to cover the chicken and cook over medium heat until the chicken is fully cooked.

6. Add Vegetables and Lentils:
   Once the chicken is tender, add the parsley, cilantro, lentils, fenugreek seeds, and onion slices. Add 2 liters of water, then cover and let it cook for an additional 60 minutes until the lentils and vegetables are fully cooked.

7. Assemble the Dish:
   Arrange the msemen pieces on a large serving platter. Place the cooked chicken pieces on top of the msemen, and pour the broth with lentils, fenugreek, and onions over everything.

Your delicious Moroccan Rfissa is now ready to be served. Enjoy this hearty and warming dish, perfect for any special occasion!