Italian crepes, also known as crespelle, are thin and delicate pancakes that are a staple in Italian cuisine. Originating from the Northern regions of Italy, these crepes are typically filled with a variety of savory ingredients such as cheese, meats, vegetables, and sauces. Unlike sweet crepes that are commonly served as a dessert, Italian crepes are served as a main dish, often as a quick and easy lunch or dinner option.
Italian crepes are versatile, allowing for an endless combination of fillings, making it easy to tailor to your own taste preferences. For a classic Italian crepe, fill it with mozzarella cheese, cooked ham, and tomato sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. Another popular option is filling the crepes with spinach, ricotta cheese, and a drizzle of garlic and herb sauce. For a spicy twist, fill the crepes with Italian sausage, mushrooms, and a spicy tomato sauce.
Making Italian crepes at home is surprisingly simple and straightforward. All you need is a basic crepe batter made from flour, eggs, milk, and salt. The batter is then cooked in a hot non-stick pan, resulting in thin and delicate crepes. Once the crepes are cooked, they can be filled with your desired ingredients, folded in half, and enjoyed immediately. Italian crepes are a great option for meal prep, as they can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for later use. So, whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, or just want to try something new, Italian crepes are a delicious and versatile option that you won’t regret trying.
Savory Italian Crepes Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup chopped black olives
- 4 ounces sliced deli ham
Tools:
- Large bowl
- Whisk
- Non-stick frying pan
- Spatula
- Serving plate
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, eggs, milk, olive oil, salt, pepper, basil, oregano, and garlic powder until the batter is smooth.
- In a non-stick frying pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into the pan and swirl to spread it evenly. Cook until the bottom is lightly browned, then flip and cook the other side. Repeat this process with the remaining batter.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and black olives.
- Spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture onto each crepe.
- Layer slices of deli ham on top of the cheese mixture.
- Roll up the crepes and place them on a serving plate.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
These savory Italian crepes are a delicious twist on the classic crepe recipe. With a mixture of flavorful herbs, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and juicy black olives, these crepes are sure to please any palate. Serve them as a main dish for dinner or as an impressive appetizer at your next gathering. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and sure to impress.