How To Make Pancake Crepes

The love of pancakes is the beginning of happiness. Why? They taste great, take little time to prepare, and are the perfect comfort food for a burnt-out woman. In a nutshell, they are a delight. Their delicious and fluffy texture piques the imagination. Regardless of your experience in the kitchen, you can prepare pancakes.

Pancake crepe, also known as crepe, is an exotic type of pancake. Unlike the traditional pancake, it does not contain yeast or any other type of raising agent. It is thick and flat, unlike the regular pancake which is thick and fluffy. 

Crepes are preferred over pancakes for the following reasons:

• It is thinner and can be included in any meal, unlike the traditional pancake that is widely eaten as breakfast.
• They are thinner and have fewer calories than traditional pancakes.
• They can be folded and stuffed with vegetables and other fillings.

Steps On How to Make Pancake Crepes

Ingredients for one serving 

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 table granulated sugar
• 1/4 tablespoon of kosher salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1^1/2 cup of whole milk
• 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter
• Powdered sugar and fresh fruit (optional)

Step 1

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Make a well in the centre of the whisked flour and add the eggs. Pour in the milk gradually while whisking the ingredients from the centre. After whisking, cover the bowl and leave it at room temperature for 15 to 20 minutes.

Step 2

• Place a small frying pan over medium heat. Melt 1/4 tablespoon of butter in the pan. Swirl the pan until the melted butter is evenly distributed. Pour the batter until it forms a thin layer. Set the remaining batter aside.

Step 3

• Allow the batter to cook for about 2 minutes before flipping and allowing the other side to cook. Once it turns golden brown, flip it. When both sides are golden brown, you’re done. Repeat with the remaining batter.

Step 4

• Sprinkle sugar on the crepe and you can also add lemon if you want.

10 Crepe Fillings You Need to Try

1. Spinach, basil, and chicken
2. Steak, spinach, and mushroom
3. Pear and groundnut
4. Orange whipped cream
5. Banana cream
6. Strawberry, banana, and peanut butter
7. Caramel and bananas
8. Nutella
9. Strawberry and orange cream
10. Greek yoghurt cream

Ways to Fold a Crepe

The Fold-Over

Place the crepe on a plate and spread the filling down the centre of the crepe. Fold the right side of the crepe past the middle and do the same for the left side.

The Triangular Fold

Place the crepe on a plate and spread your filling in a thin layer all over the crepe. Fold the crepe in half. Your crepe should now look like a half circle (depending on the roundness of your pan). Fold the top edge of the crepe and you will now have something similar to a triangular but with a round end. You can repeat this process once or twice.

The Pocket Fold

Place the crepe on a plate and spread the filling down the centre of the crepe. Fold both sides over the filling, then fold the bottom and top. Turn the folded crêpe over.

The Roll Fold

Place the crepe on a plate and spread the filling all over the crepe.  Starting at one end, roll the crepe.

The Layered Crepe

Get three to five crepes. Place a crepe on a place and spread the filling all over the crepe. Place another crepe on it and repeat the process. When you get to the last crepe sprinkle it with sugar and lemon (Optional). Cut and serve in wedges. 

Nutritional Benefits of Pancake Crepes

• It supplies iron: Iron is essential for the function of certain immune cells. It also helps in oxygenating your tissues so that they can function properly.
• It supplies calcium: Calcium is essential for healthy and strong bones and teeth.
• It supplies protein: Proteins are needed for increased muscle mass and improved body metabolism. It is also required for the growth and repair of body tissues. 
• It supplies carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are converted by the body into glucose, which serves as energy and is needed by body cells and tissues for proper functioning.
• It supplies fats: Fat helps the body absorb vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E.

Other Types of Pancakes

Pikelets

Pikelets are made with self-rising flour, sugar, eggs, and milk. They are smaller than pancakes and are popular in countries such as New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Scotland. They have a heavier texture than pancakes once made. They are typically 3-4 inches in diameter and rise more than the pancake, which is almost flat.

Tapiocas

Tapiocas is made from tapioca flour. They are gluten-free and are widely consumed in Brazil. They have a plain flavour that complements both sweet and savoury fillings. They are commonly eaten as breakfast and can be filled with scrambled eggs, shredded meat, and other fillings.

Arepas

Arepas are a type of cornmeal cake that is popular in Brazil. They are mostly made from white cornmeal and shaped into a flat, round cake. It can be eaten plain or stuffed with various meats, cheeses, or vegetables. It is frequently served as breakfast or as a snack. They are typically smaller and thinner than pancakes, and they can be sweet or savoury.

Tiganites

Tiganites are made from the same ingredients as pancakes by they are thin crispy fried outside, and soft fluffy inside. You can serve them with sweet and spicy nutty toppings. 

FAQs

1. Is pancake the same thing as crepe?

No. It is made from the same ingredients as pancakes but it doesn’t contain yeast or other rising agents like pancakes. It is much thinner than pancakes.

2. Can I try using a crepe mix instead of the steps outlined above?

Yes, you can. Major supermarkets in Nigeria sell crepe mix. And if you don’t have a supermarket around you, try Jumia or any other online store.

3. What is the origin of the word crepe?

The word crepe comes from the Latin word ‘crispus’ which means curled.

4. Is it healthy if I eat crepe every day?

As nutritional as crepes are, they contain a lot of sugar. You might want to limit your crepe intake to two to four slices per day. 

CONCLUSION

Crepes’ nutritional content varies with its ingredients but it is always a healthy breakfast and lunch choice. It has fewer calories, fats, carbohydrates, and proteins than pancakes.

Because of its versatility, several women consume it with toppings, sauces and syrups. Those who want a sweet-sour taste sprinkle it with sugar and lemon. Crepes have even been included in several diet plans as nutritionists invent weight-loss crepes. An example of a weight-loss crepe is carob chips which are made from whole-wheat flour and carob (or dark chocolate chips).

Crepes are so popular that you can now find them in restaurants, street vendors, and cafes. But it is widely believed that homemade crepes are the best. The next time you desire to eat a crepe, try the steps given above and you’ll finally discover if the saying is true. And don’t forget to tweak the recipe until you find a taste that is just for you.