Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving something elegant yet effortless? Then look no further! This savory French crepe recipe is your answer. These delicate, flavorful crepes are surprisingly easy to make, transforming a simple weeknight meal into a culinary adventure. Perfect for a quick dinner idea, this recipe is also a fantastic option for a healthy meal, packed with flavor and customizable to your taste. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
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For the Crepe Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup milk (whole milk recommended for richer flavor)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
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For the Savory Filling (choose your favorite!):
- 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
- 4 ounces ham, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Making the Crepe Batter:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, water, melted butter, salt, and pepper until smooth. Let the batter rest for at least 15 minutes. This allows the gluten to relax, resulting in more tender crepes.
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Lightly grease a non-stick 8-inch skillet or crepe pan with butter or oil over medium heat.
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Pour 1/4 cup of batter onto the hot skillet, swirling quickly to create a thin, even crepe.
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Cook for 1-2 minutes per side, or until lightly golden brown and cooked through. You'll need to cook in batches.
Preparing the Filling & Assembling the Crepes:
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While the crepes are cooking, prepare the filling. Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced ham and cook until lightly browned.
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Stir in the grated Gruyere cheese and chopped chives. Cook until the cheese is melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Once the crepes are cooked, spread a spoonful of the ham and cheese filling onto the center of each crepe.
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Fold the crepes in half, or roll them up tightly.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your savory French crepes immediately. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the crepes beautifully. This makes for a satisfying and healthy meal. For an extra touch, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of cream.
Tips for Perfect Crepes:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to tough crepes. A few lumps are okay.
- Let the batter rest: Allowing the batter to rest helps develop the gluten and creates more tender crepes.
- Use the right heat: Medium heat is key to cooking crepes evenly. Too high, and they'll burn; too low, and they'll be soggy.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Cook the crepes in batches to ensure even cooking.
Variations:
This recipe is incredibly versatile! Experiment with different fillings:
- Mushroom and Spinach: Sautéed mushrooms and spinach with a touch of garlic and cream cheese.
- Chicken and Vegetable: Cooked chicken breast, bell peppers, and onions.
- Vegetarian: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and red peppers with goat cheese.
Nutritional Information (per crepe, approximate):
This will vary depending on the filling used. The basic crepe itself is relatively low in calories and fat.
This easy recipe provides a delicious and healthy meal option, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Enjoy your homemade cooking and the satisfying results of this best recipe!