These 5-Ingredient, One-Bowl Moroccan Biscuits Are Buttery Mushy and Candy Like Cornbread

Harcha is a conventional Moroccan bread comprised of semolina, a kind of durum wheat flour with a definite golden coloration and faintly candy and nutty style that creates the bread’s signature taste. The identify harcha is derived from the Arabic phrase for “tough” or “gritty,” which refers back to the coarse texture of the semolina flour, however the last bread is something however tough: Every flatbread is pillowy and buttery tender.

Much like different breads like Johnny muffins from the Caribbean or English muffins, harcha are formed into individually portioned flat discs and cooked on a dry griddle or skillet till golden on each side. And though they give the impression of being a bit like English muffins, they’re nearer to a biscuit or cornbread with their crumbly, tender texture and wealthy taste.

Recipes for harcha range from household to household in Morocco, however this straightforward, rustic bread is constantly served as a preferred breakfast or snack, typically paired with a dollop of honey, butter, or jam, and sometimes alongside a glass of mint tea. Though it’s typically seen as a candy deal with, I believe its faintly nutty and candy taste pairs properly with savory accompaniments like cheeses, charcuterie, and even smeared with olive tapenade. So be happy to take liberties with the way you serve them.

My favourite half about harcha is how simple they’re to make. In contrast to different Moroccan breads, equivalent to khobz (a spherical, yeasted bread) or batbout (a Moroccan bread, just like pita), harcha is made with out yeast, and doesn’t require time to proof earlier than shaping. The dough comes collectively in a short time in only one bowl and may be formed and cooked after a brief 15-minute relaxation, making it an ideal possibility for busy mornings or surprising friends. 

I like to recommend utilizing semolina flour labeled “course” on the packaging—I’ve had the very best luck utilizing King Arthur model once I make them at house. The dough is ready by first whisking the dry components collectively (flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt) then utilizing your arms to knead within the melted butter, adopted by the milk. Don’t be tempted to achieve for a spatula or fork when mixing, your arms are the very best instrument to make sure the semolina is evenly coated with the butter and milk, and it’s the butter-coated semolina that creates the bread’s tender, crumbly inside.

The dough at this stage needs to be very tender, however not sticky. Whether it is nonetheless sticky or moist, mud a tablespoon or two extra of flour over high and knead till absorbed. Letting the dough relaxation briefly permits it to hydrate additional, so it will likely be simpler to form into particular person discs. When shaping the discs and cooking the harcha, I’ve three ideas:

• Cracked edges are regular: While you flatten the dough right into a circle, the perimeters could develop small cracks; that is utterly regular and received’t have an effect on the ultimate texture.
• Use your palms for shaping: When flattening the dough by hand, rely extra in your palms than your fingers. This helps create a clean, even floor.
• Flip on the proper time: Wait till the underside of the harcha is golden brown and agency earlier than flipping. Flipping too early could cause the dough to interrupt aside.

As they cook dinner in a skillet (or on a griddle), the breads develop a fantastically crispy exterior whereas staying tender and melt-in-your-mouth on the within.

Harcha are usually not solely scrumptious and simple to make, in addition they freeze and reheat properly. After cooking, merely allow them to cool utterly earlier than wrapping tightly in plastic wrap and storing it in an hermetic container or freezer bag. While you’re able to eat one, simply reheat it in a pan on the stovetop or within the toaster oven for a fast and simple breakfast or snack.

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