Rolled Crepes with Zucchini: A Savory Delight for Your Next Meal
Looking for a satisfying and delicious one-dish meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare? Look no further than this mouth-watering recipe for Rolled Crepes with Zucchini, a dish that combines creamy cheese, tender zucchini, and delicate crepes, all rolled up into a delightful package. This recipe is perfect for a family dinner or as a savory option for gatherings. Its unique flavor profile, thanks to the creamy fresh cheese and aromatic basil, will make it a hit at your next meal.
Total Time: 1 hour
Servings: 6
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh spreadable cheese (Philadelphia or similar) | 240g |
| Zucchini | 3 |
| Emmental cheese (grated) | 100g |
| Grana Padano DOP (grated) | 40g |
| Eggs | 1 |
| Butter | 20g |
| Salt | to taste |
| Pepper | to taste |
| Flour (00 type) | 20g |
| Milk | 200ml |
| Butter (for greasing) | 20g |
| Nutmeg | a pinch |
| Eggs (for crepes) | 2 |
| Flour (for crepes) | 100g |
| Milk (for crepes) | 250ml |
| Salt (for crepes) | a pinch |
| Fresh spreadable cheese (for crepes) | 2 tablespoons |
| Grana Padano DOP (for crepes) | 1 tablespoon |
| Milk (for crepes) | 2 tablespoons |
| Fresh basil (for garnish) | to taste |
| Freshly ground pepper (for garnish) | to taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Zucchini Filling
Start by washing the zucchinis thoroughly. Cut off the ends, then grate them using a coarse grater. Once grated, place the zucchini in a fine mesh strainer or a clean kitchen towel to remove excess water. This step is crucial to prevent the zucchini from making the crepes soggy.
Next, in a mixing bowl, combine the grated zucchini with the Emmental cheese and half of the Grana Padano. The cheeses will add a creamy texture and a rich flavor to the filling. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the crepes.
Step 2: Make the Crepes
For the crepes, begin by whisking the eggs in a large bowl. Add the flour, milk, and a pinch of salt, and whisk until smooth. The batter should be pourable but not too thin. If it feels too thick, add a little more milk to achieve the right consistency.
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter. Pour a small amount of the crepe batter into the pan, swirling to create a thin, even layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift, then flip the crepe and cook for another 30 seconds on the other side. Repeat this process until all the batter is used up. You should end up with about 6-8 crepes, depending on the size of your pan.
Once cooked, transfer the crepes to a plate, stacking them on top of each other to keep them warm.
Step 3: Assemble the Rolled Crepes
Now it’s time to assemble the dish. Lay one crepe flat on a piece of parchment paper or a clean surface. Spread a generous amount of the zucchini and cheese mixture along the center of the crepe, ensuring it covers the entire length of the crepe. Roll the crepe tightly, making sure the filling stays inside.
Once you have rolled up all the crepes, you can either wrap them tightly in the parchment paper like a candy or simply place them seam-side down on a greased baking dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Sauce
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk and the remaining Grana Padano, stirring continuously. Once the sauce begins to warm, season with a pinch of freshly ground pepper and a pinch of nutmeg. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Serve
Place the rolled crepes onto a serving platter. Pour the creamy sauce over the top, ensuring that each roll is generously coated. For a burst of freshness, garnish with finely chopped basil and a final sprinkle of pepper. Serve the rolled crepes warm, cutting them into individual slices for a delightful presentation.
Tips and Variations:
- Zucchini Alternatives: If you want to experiment with other vegetables, try swapping zucchini with spinach or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
- Cheese Options: You can use different types of cheese such as mozzarella or ricotta if you prefer a milder flavor. The richness of ricotta would complement the zucchini wonderfully.
- Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or ham to the filling for extra protein.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can assemble the rolled crepes in advance, cover them, and refrigerate them until you’re ready to cook. Just heat the rolls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes before serving.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 400mg |
| Calcium | 250mg |
| Iron | 2mg |
This Rolled Crepes with Zucchini recipe is a wonderful balance of flavors and textures, making it a perfect dish for anyone craving a savory meal with a creamy and comforting twist. Whether you’re preparing it for a family meal or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please the taste buds of everyone at the table. Don’t forget to add your favorite variations to make it even more unique! Enjoy your culinary creation, and feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your personal taste.
