Crepes, those delicate and versatile French pancakes, are a fantastic addition to any meal, whether you’re aiming for a sweet dessert or a savory main. They might seem daunting due to their reputation for finesse and skill in flipping. However, with this easy recipe, you’ll master the art of crepe making in no time, impressing your family and friends with minimal effort. Let’s dive into the world of crepes, exploring a straightforward recipe that yields delicious results.
Ingredients:
Before we begin, let’s ensure we have all the necessary ingredients. This recipe makes 10-12 crepes, serving about 4-5 people, with each serving coming in at approximately 238 kcal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup milk: The base of our batter, providing moisture and richness.
- 1/2 cup water: Thins out the batter to the perfect consistency.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled: The structure of our crepes, ensuring they hold together.
- 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and flavor, while helping to brown the crepes.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the batter, giving it a light structure.
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- For sweet crepes add: 2 Tbsp. sugar and 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, to introduce a delightful sweetness and aroma.
Directions:
- Preparation: Start by blending the milk, water, flour, butter, eggs, and salt together in a blender. If you’re making sweet crepes, don’t forget to add the sugar and vanilla extract at this stage. Blend until the mixture is smooth, ensuring there are no lumps. This process should take about a minute.
- Chilling: Once your batter is smooth, cover it and let it chill in the refrigerator. This step is crucial as it allows the flour to fully hydrate and the batter to thicken, resulting in tender crepes. You can chill it from 1 to 24 hours, making this recipe perfect for preparing in advance.
- Cooking: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot, pour 1/4 cup of the batter into the center, swirling the skillet to spread the batter evenly across the surface. Cook until the edges start to brown and lift from the pan, which should take about 1 minute. Carefully flip the crepe and cook for an additional 20-30 seconds on the other side. Repeat this process with the remaining batter, stacking the cooked crepes on a plate. You can keep them warm in a low oven if you’re not serving them immediately.
Serving Suggestions:
Crepes are incredibly versatile. Serve them with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice, or fill them with your favorite jams, fruits, and whipped cream for a sweet treat. For a savory option, fill them with ham and cheese, spinach and feta, or any other combination you love. The possibilities are endless!
Conclusion:
Making crepes at home doesn’t have to be intimidating. With this easy recipe, you’re well on your way to creating a delightful dish that can adapt to any taste preference. Whether you choose the sweet or savory route, these crepes are sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Easy Crepes
Ingredients:
1 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1 cup all-purpose flour, spooned & leveled
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
For sweet crepes add: 2 Tbsp. sugar and 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
Directions:
Blend milk, water, flour, butter, eggs, and salt (plus sugar and vanilla for sweet crepes) until smooth. Chill 1-24 hours.
Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Pour 1/4 cup batter, swirling to coat.
Cook until edges brown, about 1 minute. Flip and cook another 20-30 seconds. Repeat with remaining batter.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 238 | Servings: 4-5 (makes 10-12 crepes)