Rfissa

الرفيسة

“Shredded crepes in rich meat broth — post-celebration comfort food.”

Prep 60 min · Cook 90 min · Serves 6–8 · Difficulty Hard · Origin: Fes region

A complex dish made with shredded msemen (crepes) layered with slow-cooked chicken or rabbit, covered in a savory fenugreek sauce. It's traditionally served after wedding ceremonies or celebrations. Rich, substantial, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients · Serves 6–8

• chicken (1.5kg) or rabbit1 whole
• onions, sliced4
• garlic, minced6 cloves
• ginger, minced2 tbsp
• fenugreek seeds (soaked 2 hours)2 tbsp
• cinnamon1 tbsp
• turmeric1 tsp
• ground cumin1 tsp
• vegetable oil200ml
• water or chicken stock1 liter
• msemen (crepes), torn into strips6–8
• almonds, blanched and slivered100g
• sesame seeds, toasted100g
• Salt & pepper
• for garnishCilantro & parsley

The Recipe

1. 1.Cut chicken into large pieces. Heat oil in a tagine or heavy pot.
2. 2.Brown chicken pieces on all sides (about 10 minutes). Remove and set aside.
3. 3.In the same pot, sauté onions until softened (5 minutes). Add garlic and ginger, cook 2 minutes.
4. 4.Return chicken to pot. Add cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, and salt. Stir well.
5. 5.Pour in water or stock. Cover and simmer until chicken is very tender (about 45 minutes).
6. 6.Remove chicken, shred the meat, and discard bones.
7. 7.Add soaked fenugreek seeds to the broth. Simmer for 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
8. 8.Return shredded chicken to the broth.
9. 9.To assemble: In a large serving dish, create layers: torn msemen strips, then chicken and broth, then more msemen, alternating until all ingredients are used.
10. 10.Top with toasted almonds and sesame seeds.
11. 11.Garnish with cilantro and parsley.
12. 12.Let rest for 10 minutes before serving so the msemen absorbs the broth.

Chef's Tips

• Soak fenugreek seeds the night before — they add distinctive flavor.
• The broth should be rich and flavorful — taste as you cook and adjust spices.
• Rfissa is eaten with a spoon from a shared dish in traditional settings.
• Prepare msemen fresh or reheat previous crepes gently in a skillet.