Rfissa holds a special place in Morocco. It’s traditionally made for new mothers, thanks to the well-known benefits of fenugreek, but it long ago outgrew that role to become a dish people love on any cold day. The pairing of ras el hanout and fenugreek gives it a warmth you won’t soon forget.

Everything starts with a rich chicken broth, gently simmered, and with msemen or trid that you shred, steam, then soak in the broth. Every bite brings together the softness of the dough and the depth of the spices.

Moroccan Chicken Rfissa with Lentils and Fenugreek

A Moroccan dish of shredded msemen or trid soaked in a chicken broth seasoned with ras el hanout, fenugreek and lentils. Warming and nourishing.

طباعة الوصفة احفظها على Pinterest

مدة التحضير 30

مدة الطهي 1 15

الوقت الكلي 1 45

عدد الحصص: 5 people

Ingredients Method Notes

المقادير

1 free-range chicken, cut into pieces
3 onions, thinly sliced
1 cup of lentils
2 tablespoons of fenugreek
1 tablespoon of ras el hanout
1 teaspoon of ginger
1 teaspoon of turmeric
A few strands of saffron
Salt and pepper
Olive oil
Shredded msemen, trid or meloui (about 6 pieces)
Coriander and parsley

Method

Soak the fenugreek in warm water, then blanch it briefly to soften its bitterness before draining.
In a pot, sauté the onions in the oil, add the chicken, the spices (ras el hanout, ginger, turmeric, saffron) and the salt, then stir.
Add the water, coriander, parsley and fenugreek, cover, and let the chicken simmer over low heat.
After half an hour, add the lentils and let them cook with the chicken until the broth turns nice and rich.
Steam the shredded msemen pieces over the pot or in a steamer until they soften.
Arrange the msemen on the serving dish, pour over the hot broth, top with the chicken and lentils, and serve right away.

ملاحظات

Soaking and lightly blanching the fenugreek reduces its bitterness while keeping its benefits.
You can use ready-made msemen or trid to save time.
Adjust the amount of broth so the dish stays moist without being drowned.

Frequently asked questions

Is fenugreek essential in rfissa?

It's one of the ingredients that define rfissa's flavour and its benefits, but you can reduce the amount for anyone who doesn't enjoy its mild bitterness.

What can replace msemen in rfissa?

You can use trid, meloui or even shredded Moroccan bread if needed.

Why is rfissa served to new mothers?

Because of the fenugreek it contains, traditionally prized for its benefits, and because it's a warm, nourishing dish.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons — CC BY-SA

Moroccan Chicken Rfissa with Lentils and Fenugreek