Authentic Moroccan Seffa Medfouna Recipe (Chicken & Sweet Vermicelli)

Seffa Medfouna is one of Morocco’s most beloved traditional dishes. This comforting recipe combines tender chicken, fragrant onions, aromatic Moroccan spices, and steamed vermicelli, beautifully decorated with powdered sugar, cinnamon, almonds, dried fruits, and butter.

Perfect for family gatherings, Eid celebrations, and special occasions, Seffa Medfouna offers a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors that makes it a true Moroccan classic.

Prep Time

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

For the Vermicelli

• Fine vermicelli (Seffa noodles)
• White flour
• Fine semolina
• Salt
• Smen (Moroccan preserved butter)
• Ras El Hanout
• A pinch of sugar
• Baking powder
• Baker’s yeast
• Butter
• Powdered milk

For the Chicken

• 1 whole chicken
• 5 onions, finely chopped
• 1 small bunch parsley and cilantro
• 2 garlic cloves
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Saffron threads (or saffron cube)
• 1 tbsp smen
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
• Raisins

For Garnishing

• Dried prunes
• Dried apricots
• Sliced almonds
• Powdered sugar
• Melted butter

Instructions

Step 1

Cook the chicken with onions, garlic, parsley, cilantro, oil, smen, saffron, ginger, turmeric, black pepper, cinnamon sticks, and salt until tender.

Step 2

Add the raisins, honey (or sugar), and continue simmering until the sauce becomes rich and flavorful.

Step 3

Steam the vermicelli several times until light and fluffy. Mix with butter and powdered milk for a soft texture.

Step 4

Place part of the vermicelli on a serving platter, add the chicken in the center, then cover completely with the remaining vermicelli.

Step 5

Decorate with powdered sugar, cinnamon, sliced almonds, dried prunes, dried apricots, and a drizzle of melted butter.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips

• Steam the vermicelli several times for the best texture.
• Add butter while the vermicelli is still warm.
• Decorate just before serving for the most beautiful presentation.