Savory crepes are a delightful way to enjoy a hearty meal with a touch of elegance. This recipe features tender, thin crepes filled with flavorful minced beef gravy, topped with a creamy white sauce, and finished with melted mozzarella cheese. It’s a perfect balance of savory and creamy, making it ideal for a satisfying lunch or dinner. These crepes are not only delicious but also customizable, allowing you to add your favorite toppings or sides. Let’s dive into this comforting and flavorful dish!
Ingredients:
For the Batter:
- 500 ml milk
- 2 eggs
- 130 ml water
- 5 g salt
- 220 g flour
- 20 g vegetable oil
For the Beef Gravy:
- 500 g minced beef
- 100 g onion (1 onion), finely chopped
- 120 g red bell pepper (1 bell pepper), diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 30 g ketchup
- 3 g salt
- 30 g soy sauce
- Black pepper, to taste
For the White Sauce:
- 30 g butter
- 30 g flour
- 500 ml milk
- 3 g salt
Topping:
- Grated mozzarella cheese
Instructions:
Prepare the Crepe Batter:
- Mix the Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the milk, water, eggs, and vegetable oil until well combined.
- Gradually sift in the flour and salt while whisking, ensuring there are no lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture reaches a smooth, lump-free consistency.
- Rest the Batter:
- Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the ingredients to fully combine and ensure smooth crepes.
- Cook the Crepes:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and lightly grease it with oil or butter.
- Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the pan, tilting it to spread the batter into a thin, even layer.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift, then flip and cook the other side for another minute. Continue this process until all the batter is utilized, layering the crepes on a plate.
Make the Beef Gravy:
- Cook the Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the minced beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings:
- Add the finely chopped onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the pan with the beef. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the ketchup, soy sauce, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the gravy to thicken slightly.
Prepare the White Sauce:
- Make a Roux:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Add the Milk:
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce, about 3-5 minutes.
- Season:
- Stir in the salt and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and set aside.
Assemble the Savory Crepes:
- Fill the Crepes:
- Lay each crepe flat and spoon a generous amount of the beef gravy mixture down the center of the crepe. Fold the edges of the crepe over the filling.
- Add White Sauce:
- Place the filled crepes in an oven-safe dish. Pour the prepared white sauce evenly over the top of the crepes.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese over the crepes and white sauce.
Bake and Serve:
- Bake the Crepes:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the crepes in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy these savory, cheesy crepes with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Conclusion:
These Savory Crepes with Beef Gravy and White Sauce are the perfect combination of tender crepes, savory beef filling, and creamy sauce topped with melted mozzarella. Whether you’re looking for a delicious dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Easy to customize and packed with flavor, it’s a must-try for crepe lovers and savory food enthusiasts alike!