Moroccan Honeycomb Pancakes (Beghrir)

Ingredients

Yeast Starter

• 1 (1/4 ounce) package dry active yeast
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/3 cup warm water

Pancakes

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup fine semolina (yellow not white)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk
• canola oil

To Serve

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons honey, good quality
• 1/4 cup water

Directions

1. 1

   Mix the sugar with the warm water then add the yeast. Stir until well mixed then set aside in a warm place for 5-10 minutes, or until bubbly.

2. 2

   Mix the water & milk together & let it sit out until lukewarm. Beat the eggs & then add them to the milk mixture.

3. 3

   Sift the flour, semolina, & salt into a large shallow bowl. Slowly pour half the milk mixture into the flour, stirring constantly by hand until well mixed.

4. 4

   Add the yeast mixture to the dough & beat vigorously by hand in order to air it and to eliminate any curds. Add a little more of the milk mixture from time to time, until the batter is runny smooth (like thick cream). Cover with a towel & set aside to rest for 1-2 hours. (The longer you lest the batter rest the more holes will be in the pancakes).

5. 5

   When ready to cook, rub your pan with a paper towel that has been dipped in canola oil & then heat over medium-low heat.

6. 6

   Gently stir the batter then pour 1 small ladle (3-4 tbsp) onto the pan, smooth into a perfect circle with the bottom of the ladle, & cook until bubbles appear over the surface of the pancake & all trace of raw dough disappears. You do not want to bottom to turn brown so if you need to you can turn it over for a second or two to finish the top side.

7. 7

   Place the pancakes in a large heatproof shallow bowl in overlapping circles and keep them warm until ready to serve. Do not stack them or they will be liable to stick together.

8. 8

   Heat the butter and honey with water in a pan. Simmer for 5 minutes then place in a small serving bowl.

9. 9

   Drizzle the honey mixture over the beghrir & then roll it up. Eat with your fingers & have fun -- .