Smen (Fermented Moroccan Butter) - Mediterranean Recipe

Smen (Fermented Moroccan Butter)

🌍 Mediterranean, Morocco Difficulty: ●●●○○

Like Tibetan yak butter, aged smen develops a funky complexity; women in Berber villages have historically aged smen for daughters' wedding dowries.

Ingredients

• 1kg unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1 tsp dried thyme rubbed
• 1 tsp dried za'atar (optional)

Method

1. Beating — Beat butter to loosen. Mix in salt and herbs.
2. Packing — Pack tightly into sterilized clay pot or jar, eliminating air pockets.
3. Covering — Cover with salt crust. Seal and store in cool dark place.
4. Aging — Age minimum 2 months; traditional smen is aged 1–7 years.
5. Using — Use small amounts to season couscous, tagines, soups.

Tags: unsalted butter, sea salt, dried thyme rubbed, dried za'atar · Source: Brittani's Almanac