National Dish Morocco: Beghrir au Beurre (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Beghrir au Beurre, one of Morocco’s most beloved breakfast treats! These light, spongy pancakes are dotted with hundreds of tiny holes that drink up melted butter and honey with every bite. Soft, airy and quick to make, they bring the warm flavours of a Moroccan morning straight to your table. Whether served at a leisurely breakfast or as an afternoon snack, they are pure comfort with a touch of celebration.
About Beghrir au Beurre
Beghrir au Beurre are traditional Moroccan pancakes prized for their wonderfully airy texture and their signature hundreds of holes — which is exactly why they are often called “thousand-hole pancakes”. Soft and spongy, they are perfect for soaking up a generous drizzle of butter and honey. Usually enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack, they are a much-loved part of Moroccan food culture. The preparation is simple and quick, making them a great choice for cooks of every level.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 1 cup plain wheat flour
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup fine semolina or breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried yeast
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Butter and honey, to serve
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for Beghrir au Beurre, it is worth choosing good-quality products to get the best results. The wheat flour forms the base of the recipe, so reach for a fine type with no unnecessary additives. Dried yeast is found among the baking ingredients and is what makes the pancakes rise light and airy. Don’t forget the butter and honey, which round off the whole experience and give these pancakes their irresistible finish.
Preparing the dish
A little careful preparation goes a long way towards perfect Beghrir au Beurre. Start by measuring out and laying out all your ingredients so the process runs smoothly from start to finish. A large mixing bowl makes it easier to bring the batter together without spills. Bear in mind that the batter needs time to rest, allowing the yeast to become active and giving the pancakes their characteristic airiness.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the wheat flour, semolina, dried yeast, sugar and salt thoroughly.
- Add the water slowly while whisking, until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
- Cover the batter and leave it to rest in a warm place for about 30 minutes, until it has visibly grown.
- Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour in a small amount of batter for each pancake.
- Cook the pancakes for about 2–3 minutes, until the holes form and the top looks dry, then flip and briefly finish the other side.
- Serve the beghrir warm, drizzled with melted butter and honey.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Beghrir au Beurre can also be made gluten-free and lactose-free. For gluten-free pancakes, swap the wheat flour for a gluten-free flour blend suited to pancakes, and make sure the rest of your ingredients are gluten-free too. For a lactose-free version, use lactose-free butter or a plant-based alternative — just pick one that melts well. That way, anyone with a food intolerance can still enjoy this delicious treat.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
The recipe for Beghrir au Beurre is easy to adapt for vegans. Instead of regular butter, use a vegan alternative that offers a similar taste and texture. The honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the dish entirely plant-based. With the breadcrumbs, take care to choose a version made without animal products, so the whole recipe stays fully vegan.
More tips and tricks
A successful batch of Beghrir au Beurre comes down to a few handy tricks. Take care not to let the pan get too hot, or the pancakes may burn on the outside while staying raw within. Use a ladle to portion the batter evenly into the pan. Let the pancakes rise properly before you flip them, so they develop their signature holes. Feel free to experiment with different fillings or toppings to make the dish your own.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
Depending on personal taste, you can easily tweak the Beghrir au Beurre recipe. Try folding chopped nuts or dried fruit into the batter for an interesting texture and extra flavour. Spices such as cinnamon or a splash of vanilla extract add a special note, much like the warm sweetness found in Msmen au Miel. You can also dial the sweetness up or down to suit whether you prefer your pancakes lightly or generously sweetened.
Ingredient substitutions
If you don’t have breadcrumbs to hand, you can replace them with oat flour or even ground almonds. This not only adds flavour to the Beghrir au Beurre but also lends them an interesting texture. For more flavour, you could work in a little cocoa to make chocolatey pancakes. Likewise, the choice of sweetener can be adjusted entirely to your own taste.
Drink pairing ideas
Beghrir au Beurre go beautifully with a range of drinks that complement the pancakes’ flavour. A soothing, freshly brewed mint tea is the traditional choice in Morocco and pairs wonderfully with them. Freshly squeezed orange juice adds a refreshing note that harmonises nicely with the sweet pancakes. For something a little different, you could also try spiced teas such as chai or an aromatic fruit tea.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation can lift the whole Beghrir au Beurre experience considerably. Stack the pancakes on a lovely plate and drizzle them evenly with melted butter and honey. A garnish of fresh fruit or edible flowers adds a splash of colour and makes the dish look even more inviting. Consider setting out a small bowl of honey or maple syrup so everyone can sweeten to their own liking.
A bit of history
The history of Beghrir au Beurre reaches far back and is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture. These pancakes have their origins in Berber cuisine and were traditionally served at festive occasions and celebrations. Thanks to influences from various regions and cultures, the recipe has evolved over the years. Today they are known and loved not only across Morocco but worldwide, a testament to their versatility and unique flavour — a delicious window into Moroccan cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Beghrir au Beurre
In short, Beghrir au Beurre are not just a simple, quick dish — they are a delicious way to enjoy the flavours of Morocco. They are perfect for any occasion, whether a relaxed breakfast or a snack to enjoy between meals. The ease with which the recipe can be adapted to your own preferences only makes them more appealing. Let this Moroccan classic inspire you and give it a try for yourself!
