Baghrir (Moroccan Thousand-Hole Pancakes)
Local name: البغرير
In short: Spongy semolina pancakes cooked on one side only, leaving a surface full of tiny holes that soak up warm honey and melted butter. It takes about 40 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Resting
- 30 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Calories
- 520 kcal
Baghrir are the sponge pancakes of Moroccan breakfast and Ramadan evenings, nicknamed thousand-hole pancakes for their pitted tops. A thin batter of fine semolina and yeast is poured into a warm, ungreased pan and cooked on one side only, so bubbles rise and burst into a honeycomb of holes. The underside is golden, the top stays pale and soft. Brush with butter and honey and watch them drink it up.
Instructions
- Put the water in a blender, add the semolina, flour, yeast, sugar and salt and blend for 2 minutes, until completely smooth and foamy. Rest the batter for 30 minutes, until bubbly.
- Stir in the baking powder. The batter should pour like thin cream, so add a little water if it is too thick.
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat, without oil. Pour about 80 ml (1/3 cup) of batter into the center and do not spread it.
- Cook for 2 to 3 minutes while bubbles rise and pop, leaving holes. When the surface looks dry and matte, with no wet batter left, the pancake is done, so do not flip it.
- Slide the pancake onto a clean towel, holes facing up, and let it cool slightly. Do not stack the pancakes until they are cool, or they will stick. Repeat with the remaining batter.
- Serve warm, brushed with melted butter and drizzled with warm honey.
Tips
- The pan should be hot enough to make bubbles within seconds, but not so hot that the base browns before the top sets. Adjust the heat after the first pancake.
- For a quick sauce, warm the honey with the butter and add a splash of orange blossom water for a more fragrant topping.
Questions and answers
Why do my baghrir not have holes?
The batter is probably too thick, the yeast is old or the pan is too cool. The batter should pour like thin cream, and the pan should be medium-low so bubbles form and burst before the base browns.
Can I make baghrir ahead of time?
Yes. Cool them in a single layer, stack them with parchment between, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Warm them briefly in a covered pan before serving.
Can I freeze baghrir?
Yes. Freeze them in layers separated by parchment for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm briefly before serving.
How long does it take to make Baghrir (Moroccan Thousand-Hole Pancakes)?
About 40 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Baghrir (Moroccan Thousand-Hole Pancakes)?
About 520 kcal per serving, with 10 g of protein, 92 g of carbohydrates and 12 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 520 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 92 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 31 g |
| Sodium | 700 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
