Discover how to make Rfissa, a classic Moroccan dish featuring tender chicken simmered with lentils in a rich, aromatic sauce. This recipe is served over layers of crispy msemen flatbreads, offering a perfect blend of flavors and textures. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, Rfissa combines wholesome ingredients and traditional cooking methods for a truly authentic experience.

Ingredients:

For the Stew:

- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

- 1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed

- 1 large onion, finely chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons olive oil

- 1 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1 teaspoon ground coriander

- 1 teaspoon ground turmeric

- 1 teaspoon paprika

- 1 teaspoon ground ginger

- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- Salt and black pepper to taste

- 4 cups chicken broth

- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

- 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

For the Msemen:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup semolina flour

- 1 teaspoon salt

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 1 cup warm water (more if needed)

- 1/4 cup melted butter or ghee

Instructions:

Prepare the Stew:

 - In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, and cook until softened and translucent.

 - Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides.

 - Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, ginger, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant.

 - Add lentils and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for about 45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and lentils are tender.

 - Stir in cilantro and parsley. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Prepare the Msemen:

 - In a mixing bowl, combine flour, semolina, salt, and sugar.

 - Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes.

 - Divide the dough into small balls. On a lightly floured surface, roll each ball into a thin rectangle. Brush with melted butter or ghee.

 - Fold the edges of the rectangle towards the center, then roll up like a jelly roll. Flatten the roll with your hands or rolling pin to form a thin, layered flatbread.

 - Heat a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook each msemen for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.

 - Serve:

  - Place a layer of msemen on each plate. Spoon the hot chicken and lentil stew over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy!

This Rfissa recipe is perfect for a hearty meal with family or friends, bringing a taste of Moroccan tradition right to your table.

Nutritional values

Here’s the nutritional information and benefits for the ingredients used in the stew and msemen:

1 whole chicken, cut into pieces

 - Calories: Approximately 1,040 kcal (based on a 3.5 lb chicken)

 - Protein: 90g

 - Fat: 70g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits:

 - High in protein and essential nutrients. Provides the base flavor and texture for the stew.

1 cup green or brown lentils, rinsed

 - Calories: Approximately 230 kcal

 - Protein: 18g

 - Carbohydrates: 40g

 - Fiber: 15g

 - Fat: 0.8g

Benefits:

 - High in protein and fiber. Good source of iron, folate, and other essential nutrients.

1 large onion, finely chopped

 - Calories: Approximately 60 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 15g

 - Sugars: 7g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and provides antioxidants and vitamins, such as vitamin C.

3 cloves garlic, minced

 - Calories: Approximately 13 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 3g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.6g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Provides flavor and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

2 tablespoons olive oil

 - Calories: Approximately 240 kcal

 - Fat: 28g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Contains healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

1 teaspoon ground cumin

 - Calories: Approximately 8 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.4g

 - Fat: 0.5g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and provides antioxidants and minerals.

1 teaspoon ground coriander

 - Calories: Approximately 5 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and has anti-inflammatory properties.

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

 - Calories: Approximately 8 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0.2g

Benefits:

 - Contains curcumin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

1 teaspoon paprika

 - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.3g

 - Fat: 0.3g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and provides antioxidants.

1 teaspoon ground ginger

 - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 1g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.2g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Provides anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits.

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

 - Calories: Approximately 6 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and has antioxidant properties.

Salt and black pepper to taste

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Sodium: Depends on the amount of salt used

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor. Use salt in moderation to manage sodium intake.

4 cups chicken broth

 - Calories: Approximately 60 kcal

 - Protein: 6g

 - Fat: 2g

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and some protein. 

1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro

 - Calories: Approximately 1 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0.3g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0.1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and contains vitamins and antioxidants.

1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

 - Calories: Approximately 11 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 2g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 1g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and is rich in vitamins A, C, and K.

Msemen Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

 - Calories: Approximately 910 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 190g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 24g

 - Fat: 2g

Benefits:

 - Provides a base for the dough. Supplies carbohydrates and some protein.

1/2 cup semolina flour

 - Calories: Approximately 300 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 60g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 10g

 - Fat: 1g

Benefits:

 - Adds texture and a slightly nutty flavor. Provides additional carbohydrates and protein.

1 teaspoon salt

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Sodium: Approximately 2,300 mg

Benefits:

 - Enhances flavor. Sodium is necessary for fluid balance but should be used in moderation.

1 tablespoon sugar

 - Calories: Approximately 16 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 4g

 - Sugars: 4g

Benefits:

 - Adds sweetness and provides quick energy.

1 cup warm water (more if needed)

 - Calories: 0 kcal

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Sugars: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

 - Fat: 0g

Benefits:

 - Hydrates the flour and semolina to form dough.

1/4 cup melted butter or ghee

 - Calories: Approximately 200 kcal

 - Fat: 22g

 - Carbohydrates: 0g

 - Protein: 0g

Benefits:

 - Adds flavor and helps with browning. Butter contains some vitamins and fats.