Dhan (smen): the traditional preserved butter

Dhan, also called smen (دهان / سمن), is a traditional North African butter that is cooked and salted so that it keeps for a long time. In the Berber speech of places like Tamezret it is also called ddhan.

It is made from the raw milk of cows, goats or sheep, which is left to ferment, churned into butter, boiled to remove the water, and salted. Some makers add herbs such as fenugreek, oregano or thyme.

In Tunisian kitchens dhan gives a rustic, pronounced taste to traditional dishes such as couscous and chorba.