How to Make Seffa – A Delicious Traditional Moroccan Dish

🍴 What Is Seffa and How to Make This Sweet and Savory Moroccan Classic

Seffa – Morocco’s signature sweet and savory dish
Photo by Soufari Rabah

Seffa is one of Morocco’s most heartwarming traditional dishes—a perfect harmony of sweetness, texture, and culture. Often served during family celebrations, holidays, or simply as a comfort food, Seffa is more than just a recipe—it's an experience.

In this post, you’ll discover the history of Seffa, explore its cultural significance, and learn how to make the most authentic, delicious version at home.

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🌟 What Is Seffa?

Seffa (السفة) is a Moroccan dish typically made with steamed couscous or broken vermicelli, mixed with butter and sweet raisins, and topped with a generous sprinkle of powdered sugar, cinnamon, and crushed almonds. It’s commonly served at the end of festive meals or as a main dish paired with slow-cooked chicken or lamb (known as Seffa Medfouna).

Though it may look like a dessert, Seffa balances sweet and savory flavors, making it uniquely Moroccan.

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🍜 Ingredients for Seffa with Vermicelli

You’ll need the following for a classic Seffa Chaariya (vermicelli version):

Main:

• 500g broken vermicelli (or use couscous)

• 1 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tsp salt

• Water for steaming

For flavor and garnish:

• 2 tbsp butter or smen (Moroccan aged butter)

• 100g raisins (soaked in warm water)

• 3 tbsp powdered sugar

• 1 tbsp cinnamon

• 100g crushed or slivered almonds (roasted or fried)

💡 Optional: Add cooked chicken or lamb underneath the Seffa mound for a more filling version (Seffa Medfouna).

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🔥 Step-by-Step: How to Make Moroccan Seffa

🥄 Step 1: Moisten the Vermicelli

Place the dry vermicelli in a wide bowl. Sprinkle with a bit of water and a pinch of salt, then fluff with your fingers to separate the strands.

🧺 Step 2: First Steam

Set up your couscoussier (steamer). Steam the vermicelli over boiling water for about 20 minutes until light and steamy.

🥣 Step 3: Moisten & Repeat

Remove vermicelli, sprinkle with a bit of oil and water, and fluff again. Repeat the steaming process twice more, moistening each time and adding the raisins during the final steam.

🧈 Step 4: Add Butter and Assemble

Once the vermicelli is tender and fluffy, mix in the butter while still hot. Pile it into a dome on a large serving platter.

🍥 Step 5: Garnish

Decorate the top with:

• Lines or mounds of powdered sugar

• Cinnamon stripes

• A generous amount of crushed almonds

✨ For Seffa Medfouna: Place tender chicken pieces underneath the pile before decorating.

🎥 Watch How to Make Seffa – Full Recipe Video

  Courtesy: Cooking with Alia on YouTube This video walks you through each step, making it easy for beginners to try this classic Moroccan recipe at home.

💡 Pro Tips for Perfect Seffa

• Always steam three times for fluffy, separate strands.

• Use smen (aged Moroccan butter) for authentic depth of flavor.

• Soak raisins ahead of time for a plump, juicy texture.

• Serve hot and decorate generously—presentation matters in Moroccan cuisine!

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🇲🇦 Why Moroccans Love Seffa

Seffa is more than a meal—it’s part of Moroccan identity. Whether served at Eid, a family celebration, or a Friday dinner, it’s a dish that brings people together. Its fragrant aroma, eye-catching decoration, and comforting taste evoke warmth, hospitality, and joy.

It’s a reminder that Moroccan cuisine doesn’t just feed—it celebrates.

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💬 Share Your Seffa Experience!

Have you tried Seffa before, or are you planning to make it? Which version do you prefer—vermicelli, couscous, or rice? Leave a comment below and join the Moroccan food conversation!