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Recipeother Vegetarian

Smen

moroccan preserved butter. smen (semneh, beurre ranci) is a moroccan preserved butter, often made from sheep and goat milk. it has a deep, pungent aroma and distinctive flavor that enhances many of morocco's savory dishes, especially couscous. it is similar to asian ghee, and is a flavorful ingredient in moroccan dishes. cooking time does not include 1-2 week aging time.

3 ingredients11 preparation steps
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Ingredients

  • unsalted butter
  • dried oregano leaves
  • sea salt

Preparation

  1. 1in a medium saucepan , melt the butter over low heat
  2. 2wrap the oregano in a small piece of cheesecloth
  3. 3tie the sachet with cotton string , and set in the butter
  4. 4simmer until the butter separates into a clear , golden liquid and a milky sediment , 25 to 30 minutes
  5. 5carefully pour off the golden liquid , and strain through a piece of clean , fine muslin
  6. 6discard the milky sediment and oregano sachet
  7. 7transfer to a hot sterilized glass jar
  8. 8add the salt and mix until dissolved
  9. 9cover and let stand in a cool place until the mixture becomes pungent , 1 to 2 weeks
  10. 10drain any liquid from the jar and refrigerate the butter
  11. 11use within 6 months