Pancakes with spinach and cheese

Savory Pancakes with Spinach and Cheese: A Perfect Appetizer

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 45 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Introduction

When we think of pancakes, sweet childhood memories often come to mind, filled with jams and chocolate. However, pancakes are much more versatile than we imagine! They can become a delicious appetizer or even a main course. In this recipe, I will show you how to prepare pancakes stuffed with spinach and cheese, a dish that combines the soft texture of pancakes with a savory and creamy filling. It's an excellent choice for a light dinner or a sophisticated brunch. Let’s start the culinary adventure!

Necessary Ingredients

*For the pancakes:*
- 350 ml milk
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon raw sugar (for a sweet note)
- 1 egg (to give the batter consistency)
- 200 g flour
- 1 teaspoon dry yeast (for a fluffy texture)
- Oil or butter for frying the pancakes

*For the filling:*
- 450 g frozen spinach (the leaves are easiest to use)
- 250 g creamy cow cheese (or ricotta, for a different taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves of garlic (for the unmistakable aroma)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- 200 g white mold cheese (for a decadent note)

*For the sauce:*
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 150 ml milk
- 100 ml whipping cream (adds creaminess)
- 1 pinch of salt
- 1 pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (for a subtle taste)

*For decoration:*
- Chives, finely chopped

Preparing the Pancakes

1. Preparing the batter: In a large bowl, start by cracking the egg and adding salt, sugar, and milk. Use a whisk to mix the ingredients well until smooth.

2. Incorporating the flour: In another bowl, mix the flour with the dry yeast. This step will help the pancakes become fluffier. Add this mixture to the wet ingredients and mix vigorously. Make sure there are no lumps; the batter should be smooth and homogeneous. If you prefer thicker pancakes, you can adjust the amount of flour according to your preferences.

3. Resting the batter: Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes. This resting time is essential for gluten development and will make the pancakes airier. If you notice the batter has thickened too much, you can add a little milk to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Frying the pancakes: In a non-stick pan, add a splash of oil or butter and let it heat up. Use a ladle to pour the batter into the pan, swirling the pan to distribute the batter evenly. Cook each pancake for about 2 minutes on one side until golden, then flip it and cook the other side. Continue until all the batter is used up.

Preparing the Filling

1. Thawing the spinach: Let the spinach thaw in a colander to remove excess water. It is important that the filling is not too wet, otherwise the pancakes may become soggy.

2. Sautéing the garlic: In a pan, add the olive oil and butter, then add the minced garlic. Let it release its aroma, but be careful not to burn it, as it will turn bitter.

3. Cooking the spinach: Add the drained spinach to the pan and let it sauté for about 10 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper, then add the crumbled cheese. Mix well and let it cook until the cheese is perfectly incorporated with the spinach. Once the filling is ready, let it cool slightly.

Preparing the Sauce

1. Cooking the sauce: In a non-stick or double-bottom pot, add the butter and olive oil and let it heat up. Add the flour and constantly whisk to avoid lumps for about 2 minutes.

2. Incorporating the milk: While continuing to stir, gradually add the warm milk, ensuring no lumps form. Once you achieve a smooth consistency, add the whipping cream. Let the sauce simmer, stirring constantly, until it reaches the desired consistency. Season with salt and freshly grated nutmeg for a refined taste.

Assembling the Pancakes

1. Preparing the baking dish: Grease a baking dish with a little butter to prevent the pancakes from sticking.

2. Filling the pancakes: Take a pancake and add about 2 tablespoons of the spinach filling and a slice of white mold cheese. Wrap the pancake so that the filling stays inside. Place the filled pancakes in the dish, side by side.

3. Adding the sauce: Pour the warm sauce over the pancakes, covering them evenly. This step will add extra flavor and keep the filling moist.

4. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and place the dish in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce takes on a golden hue and the pancakes are heated through.

5. Serving: Once ready, sprinkle the finely chopped chives on top for an extra touch of freshness and a pleasant appearance. Serve the pancakes warm, alongside a fresh green salad or a side of steamed vegetables.

Practical Tips and Variations

- Variations of the filling: You can experiment with other fillings, such as sautéed mushrooms, minced meat, or grilled vegetables. Each combination brings a unique note to your pancakes.
- The sauce: Instead of the cream sauce, you can opt for a tomato sauce or a yogurt sauce, depending on your preferences.
- Serving: These pancakes can be served both warm and cold, making them ideal for picnics or festive meals.
- Calories: A serving of filled pancakes contains approximately 350-400 kcal, depending on the ingredients used. Spinach is an excellent source of iron and vitamins, while cheese adds a protein boost.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use fresh spinach?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach, but you will need to sauté it first to reduce its volume and remove excess water.

2. How can I make gluten-free pancakes?
You can replace wheat flour with a gluten-free flour. There are many flour mixes on the market that work well for pancakes.

3. Can I prepare the pancakes in advance?
Certainly! You can prepare the pancakes and filling a day ahead, and before serving, you can bake them in the oven to warm them up.

4. What drinks pair well with these pancakes?
The filled pancakes go wonderfully with a dry white wine or a fresh fruit cocktail. Additionally, a refreshing lemonade will perfectly complement the meal.

Conclusion

Spinach and cheese pancakes are a versatile and delicious choice, perfect for any occasion. They are not just an appetizer but also an excellent way to add vegetables to your daily diet. With a bit of love and patience, you will create a dish that will impress any guest. So put on your apron and let’s enjoy cooking!