Smen

Smen is a traditional North African flavouring made from clarified butter mixed with dried herbs and salt, then aged in earthenware pots until it develops a consistency and a strong, cheesy aroma reminiscent of Roquefort. The long maturation, which can run for months or even years, lets fermentation and lipolysis build its characteristic pungent character, and it is a valued ingredient in Moroccan dishes, used in small amounts to deepen stews, couscous, and tagines. Because it is made from butterfat with very low water activity and plenty of salt, well-made smen keeps for a long time without refrigeration, and its keeping quality was historically as important as its flavour.