"The most enchanting pancake" Baghrir-Honeycomb Pancakes
Exclusive member recipe, free until pancake day only!
While sitting on the terrace of a mythical riad, gazing past the 18th-century fortress known as Skala de la Kasbah, overlooking the port of Essaouira, and out onto the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean, I felt compelled to write to you as I enjoyed quite the mardi gras/fat tuesday in Morocco. I wanted you there with me, feasting on the glorious views and food in Essaouira, this Berber-chic coastal retreat I have fallen in love with.
The view of the promenade and port, Avenue Mohammed V in Essaouira
I missed Morocco, especially as it was my last destination just before lockdown in the UK. From the tongue rolling Arabic to orange blossom scented riads and hammans, the fragrant food and the theatre of haggling in the souks, it was such a treat to be back. On my recent holiday turned cookery retreat recce, as I travelled beyond the red city of Marrakesh to the enchanting Atlas mountains and back down to the coast of Essaouira, I gorged on Baghrir for most of my breakfasts. These North African honeycomb-like pancakes are typically made with a mix of flour and semolina for a pleasingly creamy flavour and aroma. I love Baghrir so much and we served them at every single breakfast while on our cookery retreat.
In Africana I write that you can use a tiny amount of oil because I know many will be tempted to. I also ask that you use a non-stick pan or a well seasoned skillet and traditionally no grease is used. Since writing my book I have seized using non-stick pans and now I only use stainless steel pans, ceramic, glass or my trusted cast iron pans. If like me you do not use non-stick, simply brush a little butter or oil across the surface of your pan for guarantees.
The second cookery expectation that you must resist is to flip it. *Do not flip your Baghrir.* Those delightful bubbles left undisturbed will capture your generous drizzle of honey or Amlou ~ a local almond, honey & argan oil butter. After your first try with my super detailed recipe, you will perfect this and confidently whip up these flip-less wonders.
I also conjured up an Orange Blossom and Honey Syrup with cinnamon and added zest from fresh oranges. So bewitchingly fragrant, embodying that Moroccan-ness that is stamped in my mind and heart, and hopefully soon…yours too!
Have you tried this recipe or enjoyed this in Morocco? I’d love to read from you. Enjoy!
Let’s get cooking!
This recipe is an exclusive extract from Africana and part of our club member treats. Paid membership ensures that most of my newsletters can be produced for all to enjoy for free.
Baghrir
Honeycomb Pancakes with Orange Blossom & Honey Syrup
Makes about 10 pancakes