MSANIF - stuffed fried pancakes

Msanif is a stuffed fried pancake , it is served as a starter, side dish or snack and it can also be a little spicy if desired. I understand the original msanif is prepared with all-purpose flour but I have gotten so used to having it done with whole wheat flour simply because my mother does not like white flour so she always substituted many recipes with wheat flour. 


Msanif is one of the original Zanzibari side dish which in my opinion is under presented or perhaps known by various  uncommon names . Msanif is one of the most loved side dish during the holly month of Ramadhan , it is something that you can make ahead of time and can be frozen as well. 

The filling of msanif can vary from ground beef , shredded chicken or beef and while I was narrating for the video I thought of shredded turkey as well so this recipe will certainly come handy after Thanksgiving. 

I have tried this with shredded beef and caramelized onions its absolutely wonderful, am yet to try baking them but its something that I definitely want to try and I will share my results on that.

This is a two part recipe.

Yields 16 - 20 Misanif 

For the batter:

2 Cups/225gms whole wheat flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt ( or more)

1 egg

2 Tbl Veg oil

1 1/2 cup water 

1. Mix and combine whole wheat flour with baking soda and salt

2. Slightly beat the egg and add into the dry ingredients

3. Add the water, start with 2 cups first, mix well and remove any lumps , add the rest of the water slowly till you get a a light consistency like that of crapes, finish it with the oil and stir.

Cover and let it rest for 3 hours 

For the filling : You can add or omit the spices as per your taste

2 Tbl veg oil

1 Medium size onion - diced

1 1/2 tsp salt or enough to taste

1 tps salt

1 tsp black pepper

1 tsp cumin powder

1 tsp coriander powder

1 Fresh ginger paste

1 tsp fresh garlic powder

1 pound/454gms

Cilantro/Corriander /Dhania leaves


1. Heat the pan on medium , add the oil and the diced 
    onions . Saute for few minutes 
2. Add the salt, black pepper, cumin, coriander powder and
    saute for 2-3 minutes
3. Add the ginger and garlic paste , cook for 2 minutes be-
    careful not to burn the garlic 
4. Add the ground beef and saute , let it cook for about 7 
    minutes or until or the liquid is absorbed 
5. Add chopped cilantro /coriander , mix well . Set it aside
    to cool  



Preparations : You can use any kind of pan , I find it easier to use the pancake pan


1. Pour the batter in the pan ( Medium heat)

2. Let it cook for for about 2 minutes , add the meat ( or any filling of your choice)  before the batter is completely dried

3. Pour the batter on top of the meat to cover and seal the filling Let it cook for another 2 minutes 

4. Flip them over, cook for about 2 minutes

5. Keep them in a tray and fry once they are all done or you can let them cool completely , wrap them individually or in a tight container and freeze for upto 2 weeks. If you choose to freeze please let the msanif thaw in the fridge before you fry them.


6. Shallow or deep fry the Msanif on medium heat for about 5-6 minutes  

Serve warm or room temperature

For visual understanding please click on the link below