Smen
Smen, a cherished culinary treasure from North Africa, is a deeply aromatic fermented clarified butter that infuses dishes with its tangy, savory flavors. Made with unsalted butter, dried oregano or thyme, coarse sea salt, and water, this traditional recipe transforms simple ingredients into a rich and versatile condiment through slow fermentation. Perfect for enhancing tagines, couscous, or grilled vegetables, Smen develops its signature cheesy aroma and complex taste over weeks, making it a must-have for adventurous cooks seeking authentic Moroccan or Algerian flavors. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and storage longevity of up to a year, this homemade Smen recipe offers an easy way to elevate your kitchen with a touch of time-honored tradition.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 500 grams Unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Dried oregano (or dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon Coarse sea salt
- 2 tablespoons Water
Instructions
Place the unsalted butter in a medium-sized saucepan over low heat. Allow the butter to melt completely, stirring occasionally to prevent browning.
Once melted, continue to cook the butter on low heat. As it simmers, it will start separating into three layers: frothy milk solids on top, clear golden liquid in the middle (clarified butter), and white milk solids at the bottom.
Skim off the frothy milk solids on top using a spoon, and set them aside or discard.
Carefully pour the clear middle layer (clarified butter) into another clean saucepan or bowl, leaving behind the white milk solids at the bottom of the pan. Strain through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth if necessary.
Place the clarified butter back on very low heat, and stir in the dried oregano (or dried thyme), coarse sea salt, and water. Heat the mixture for about 5–10 minutes, allowing the herbs and salt to infuse into the butter.
Remove the butter from the heat and let it cool slightly before transferring it to a sterilized glass jar or ceramic container.
Once the butter has cooled to room temperature, seal the container tightly and let it ferment at a cool room temperature for about 2–3 weeks. Alternatively, store it in the refrigerator for slower fermentation over several months.
After fermentation, the Smen will develop its characteristic tangy, cheesy aroma. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a year, and use as needed to enhance your dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
180 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 20.3 g | 26% | |
| Saturated Fat | 12.8 g | 64% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 55 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 99 mg | 4% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.1 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.0 g | ||
| Protein | 0.2 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.3 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 8 mg | 1% | |
| Iron | 0.1 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 7 mg | 0% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
