Gratinated pancakes

Gratinated pancakes: a delicious and comforting recipe

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Who doesn’t love a meal that combines flavor and comfort? Gratinated pancakes are a perfect choice for a quick yet sophisticated dinner, or for a snack that will impress anyone. These pancakes are filled with a delicious combination of cheese, cold cuts, and mushrooms, then gratinated until golden and appetizing. Let’s discover together how to prepare them step by step!

Necessary ingredients

For pancakes:
- water (variable amount, depending on the number of pancakes desired)
- salt (a pinch, for taste)
- flour (variable amount, about 100 g for 6 pancakes)

For the filling (for 6 pancakes):
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 2 tablespoons yogurt or sour cream
- 1 egg
- 200 g cold cuts (bologna and ham are excellent)
- 2 fresh mushrooms or a can of mushrooms
- 15 olives (pitted)
- 50 g grated cheese (optional, but recommended to enhance the flavor)

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the pancake batter
In a bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt. Gradually add water, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. The batter should have a fluid consistency, similar to cream. Let it rest for 10 minutes. This step helps to develop the gluten, making the pancakes more elastic.

2. Cooking the pancakes
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil. Pour a ladle of pancake batter and swirl the pan to evenly distribute the batter. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the edges start to lift, then flip the pancake to the other side for another minute. Repeat the process until you finish all the batter. You should get about 6 pancakes.

3. Preparing the filling
In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the yogurt and egg. This will be the base ingredient for your filling. Cut the cold cuts into thin strips and the mushrooms into cubes. If using fresh mushrooms, you can sauté them in a pan with a little oil and a clove of garlic, which you will remove afterward. This step adds a delicious flavor to the mushrooms. Don’t forget to pit the olives and cut them in half.

4. Filling the pancakes
On each pancake, spread a layer of the cheese mixture, add a few strips of cold cuts, mushrooms, and olives. Sprinkle grated cheese on top, if using. Fold each pancake in half or quarters and place them in a greased baking dish.

5. Gratinating the pancakes
After placing all the pancakes in the dish, beat an egg with a glass of yogurt and pour the mixture evenly over the pancakes. If you want an even more intense flavor, add an extra layer of grated cheese on top. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius and place the dish inside. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the pancakes become golden and appetizing.

6. Serving
Remove the dish from the oven and let the pancakes cool slightly before serving. You can garnish them with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill, for a splash of color and freshness. These gratinated pancakes are perfect alongside a green salad or a yogurt sauce, bringing a pleasant contrast of textures and flavors.

Practical tips

- Variations of the filling: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella. You can also add vegetables of your choice, like bell peppers or spinach, for a boost of color and nutrients.
- Cook the pancakes in advance: If you want to save time, you can prepare the pancakes a day ahead. You can store them in the fridge, and then fill and bake them on the day you serve them.
- Care for utensils: Make sure the pan is well-greased and that you used the right oil to prevent the pancakes from sticking. A quality non-stick pan will make your work easier.

Calories and nutritional benefits
Each serving of gratinated pancakes has about 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used and the portions of cheese or cold cuts. These pancakes are a good source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while the mushrooms provide essential fiber for digestion.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I make the pancakes without eggs?
Yes, you can replace the egg in the cheese mixture with thicker yogurt or a mixture of water and flaxseeds, which will act as a binder.
- What type of cold cuts can I use?
Any type of cold cuts you prefer - ham, salami, or even dried vegetables - will work perfectly. Choose leaner options for a healthier meal.
- Can I freeze the pancakes?
Yes! The filled pancakes can be frozen before being gratinated. Make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to use them, let them thaw and then follow the gratinating steps.

A personal note
Gratinated pancakes are a dish that reminds me of evenings spent with family, where everyone would bring a favorite ingredient to contribute to the filling. This recipe is versatile and can be easily adapted to everyone’s tastes. I encourage you to experiment with the ingredients and create your own favorite version!

In conclusion, gratinated pancakes are an easy-to-make dish that can turn an ordinary meal into a delicious feast. Don’t hesitate to try them and share the joy of savoring a dish cooked with love with your loved ones! Enjoy your meal!