Spicy Msemen Cooked in Chili Oil

_{Photo © Christine Benlafquih}

A few weeks ago a reader wrote to inquire about a spicy msemen he sampled in Rabat. I was unfamiliar with what he described – unstuffed msemen with a reddish hue from perhaps harissa or chili oil – but I was intrigued because I already love spicy Onion Stuffed Msemen.

I eventually learned from several different sources in Rabat that indeed msemen might be prepared the way the reader described. All immediately ruled out harissa, but apparently spices might be added directly to the msemen dough or the oil, or chili oil can be used for the frying.

I experimented a bit in the kitchen and found the chili oil version received my family's chorus of approval. I made my own chili oil using a hot infusion with crushed Moroccan chili pepper flakes – very easy and the oil had enough fire after just an hour. Follow How to Make Chili Oil and use it to make those delicious Spicy Msemen Cooked with Chili Oil.