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algerian m'hajeb - traditional filled pastry

review
Private Recipe by
Annacia *
Moose Jaw, SK

This is from my friend Um Safia. I haven't spoken with her in a long time but I wish her well and thank her for leaving me some wonderful recipes. M'hajeb are infamous in Algeria & Morocco - where they are also known as M'semmen. They are a fine pastry made of semolina & filled with a delicious mix of tomato, onion & sometimes peppers. M'hajeb keep well in the freezer when individually wrapped.

yield serving(s)
prep time 15 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Pan Fry

Ingredients For algerian m'hajeb - traditional filled pastry

  • filling:
  • 4
    onions
  • 1 Tbsp
    tomato paste
  • 2
    green bell peppers
  • 2 Tbsp
    olive oil
  • salt & pepper to taste
  • 1
    hot pepper (optional)
  • pastry:
  • 500 g
    fine semolina
  • 250 g
    plain flour
  • salt
  • water

How To Make algerian m'hajeb - traditional filled pastry

  • 1
    Filling:
  • 2
    Slice the onions in fine rings. Slice the peppers into fine strips ( many people remove skin first) and fry together in a little olive oil until softened. If using the hot pepper, de-skin then puree, add to the onions & peppers. Add the puree, salt and pepper and cook covered, for approx 5 minutes or until soft and well flavoured. Set aside to cool.
  • 3
    Pastry: *To make the pastry, it's easiest if you have a mixer with a dough hook or a bread maker set on the dough setting.*
  • 4
    Mix the semolina and the flour in a mixer of place in the bread machine. Make a hollow in the centre, add a little salt and enough water to bring to a stiff dough. Knead well. Add a little more water, a bit at a time until the dough is finally a soft elastic consistency - this is usually around 8-10 minutes.
  • 5
    Wehen the dough it nice and elastic, pull of pieces and roll into golf balls. The secret is to have EVERYTHING WELL OILED -- Oil your hands, the work surface and the m'rie or large skillet / chappati pan.
  • 6
    Take a golf ball at a time and gently stretch out as thin as you can. It's easiest to do this on a well oiled work surface. If uyou get a few little holes, don't worry - you can patch them up and nobody will mind!
  • 7
    Place a spoonful of filling in the centre and fold the edges in one at a time (left, right, top, bottom), to form a rough square shaped parcel. Fry until golden on both sides - you have to be very attentive here or they will burn!
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