Berber Pizza or (Madfouna)

Berber pizza, also known as Madfouna, is a beloved dish in the Sahara Desert of Morocco. This article explores its origins, how it is prepared, and the best places to enjoy this unique culinary experience.

Let’s uncover a dish that travelers love and that can also be elevated to a fine dining experience. Below, we delve into its ingredients and suggest where you can enjoy this Moroccan gem.

Berber Pizza or Madfouna: What Is It?

Madfouna, commonly referred to as “desert pizza,” is a traditional Moroccan dish that resembles a pizza with a round shape and a variety of ingredients. The name “Berber” highlights its popularity among Berber communities, especially in the desert regions.

Unlike traditional pizzas, the buried one is closer to an empanada in preparation. The dough is made from wheat flour and semolina and is surrounded by a filling on both sides. This filling can include ground beef, vegetables such as carrots and onions, hard-boiled eggs, toasted almonds, and a range of spices such as turmeric, coriander, black pepper, and ginger.

Methods of preparation vary: Modern kitchens use electric or wood-fired ovens, but the traditional method involves baking them in hot sand. This authentic method entails placing the dough-covered brazier in a sand pit over hot coals. After browning one side, it is flipped over to cook the other side. Any remaining sand is shaken off to reveal a crispy and flavorful masterpiece.

Where to Eat Berber Pizza?

As a signature dish of the desert, Madfouna is widely available in the cities of southern Morocco and the Saharan desert regions of Morocco. Some of the best locations include:

Rissani Souk: This traditional market is the epicenter of authentic Madfouna, offering a glimpse into its cultural roots.

Tafilalt Oasis: A favorite among tourists, this region is known for its delicious Madfouna.

Desert camps: Many nomadic camps and roadside stations offer freshly buried food as part of their desert hospitality.

For a more urban experience, traditional Moroccan restaurants in cities like Marrakech and Agadir often feature Madfouna on their menus. Travelers with Best Morocco Travel can look forward to tasting the finest Berber pizza, whether in the heart of the desert or in a bustling city.

How to Prepare Berber Pizza

If you think all pizzas are the same, the Madfouna Pizza will surprise you. Known locally as Madfouna or internationally as Berber pizza, this dish is more than just pizza it’s an artisanal creation.

Ingredients for Madfouna:

Dough:

400 g wheat flour, 200 g wheat semolina, 10 g fresh yeast, 400 ml warm water, 30 ml olive oil, 10 g salt, 1 tsp brown sugar

Filling:

400 g minced beef, 1 red onion, 1 carrot, 40 g butter, 40 g toasted almonds, 2 hard-boiled eggs, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp paprika, 1 tsp ground coriander, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp turmeric, ½ tsp ground ginger, A handful of fresh coriander, Olive oil.

Steps to Prepare:

Make the Dough:

Combine flour, wheat semolina, salt and sugar in a bowl. Add olive oil, warm water and yeast. Mix and knead for 15 minutes until smooth.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and allow it to rise in a warm place for one hour.

Prepare the Filling:

Mix the minced meat, diced onion, grated carrot, chopped cilantro, spices, butter and olive oil in a bowl. Let sit for 35 minutes.

Assemble the Madfouna:

• Roll out the bulk of the dough into a 30 cm circle and place on a baking sheet.
• Add the filling, leaving a 2 cm border. Sprinkle with almonds and chopped egg.
• Cover with the smaller part of the rolled dough, seal the edges and flip the pizza over.

Bake:

Sprinkle with flour and bake in a preheated oven at 220°C for 30 minutes. Or try the traditional sand baking method for an authentic touch.

Experience the Culinary Heritage of Morocco

Berber Pizza, or Madfouna, is more than just a meal, it’s a journey into Morocco rich culinary traditions. Whether you try it in a bustling souk, a quiet desert camp or a cozy urban restaurant, this dish promises to be one of the highlights of your unforgettable Moroccan adventure. Book your Morocco trip with Best Morocco Travel agency and savor this exceptional flavor of the desert.