🇲🇦 Moroccan Cuisine · Street Food

Meloui

Prep

25 mins

Cook

20 mins

Serves

6

Difficulty

Medium

Spiral-rolled Moroccan flatbreads with a flaky, chewy crumb, enjoyed as a snack or with mint tea.

Ingredients

  • 600g merguez sausage
  • 400g vermicelli noodles
  • 2 tsp minced garlic
  • a pinch of saffron threads
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • a generous handful of red bell peppers
  • a handful of fresh parsley, chopped
  • a drizzle of green olives
  • 2 cups vegetable stock
  • 1/2 tsp ras el hanout
  • a generous handful of potatoes

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the flatbread base and set it aside to rest while you get the filling ready.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs, red onions, minced garlic, and sweet paprika, mixing well so everything is evenly seasoned.

  3. 3

    Heat olive oil in a skillet, wok, or on a griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  4. 4

    Cook the flatbread until lightly golden on each side, then transfer to a warm plate.

  5. 5

    Fry, grill, or steam the chicken thighs mixture until cooked through and lightly charred at the edges, about 20 mins.

  6. 6

    Assemble by layering the flatbread with the filling, a spoonful of pitted dates, and a scattering of cilantro.

  7. 7

    Add a final touch of green olives for extra flavor and texture.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately while hot, with extra pitted dates on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Tips

Serve immediately for the best contrast between a crisp exterior and a warm, tender filling.

Keep the olive oil hot but not smoking — a thermometer helps you nail the perfect frying or grilling temperature.

Double the pitted dates so you have plenty for dipping — it tends to disappear fast.