Imagine a dish so delightful you could eat it every day without ever tiring of it. These spinach pancakes, filled with a rich cream cheese mixture and topped with a luscious béchamel sauce, are just that dish. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, they are both versatile and delicious. The combination of fluffy pancakes, savory spinach filling, and creamy béchamel sauce creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is sure to please. This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow, making it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced cooks.
Ingredients:
For the Pancakes:
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (250 ml) milk
- 1 cup (250 ml) flour
- 30 grams melted butter
- 1/2 cup (125 ml) warm water
For the Filling:
- 1 onion
- 250-300 grams of fresh spinach
- 1-2 cloves of garlic
- 250 grams of cream cheese
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups (500 ml) milk
- Salt, to taste
- Nutmeg, to taste
Additional:
- 60 grams of cheese (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Preparing the Pancakes:
- In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar and salt until well combined. The sugar and salt enhance the flavor of the pancakes and help achieve a balanced taste.
- Gradually add the milk, continuing to whisk until smooth. The milk adds moisture and richness to the batter.
- Sift the flour into the mixture, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Sifting the flour helps to aerate it, ensuring a light and fluffy pancake batter.
- Pour in the melted butter and mix until well incorporated. The butter adds flavor and helps prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan.
- Finally, add the warm water and mix until the batter is smooth and slightly runny. The water helps to achieve the perfect consistency for the pancake batter.
Cooking the Pancakes:
- Heat a non-stick skillet or pancake pan over medium heat.
- Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of butter or oil.
- Pour a ladleful of batter into the pan, tilting it to spread the batter evenly.
- Cook the pancake for about 2 minutes, or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to lift.
- Flip the pancake and cook for another minute until golden brown.
- Remove from the pan and keep warm. Repeat with the remaining batter.
2. Preparing the Spinach Filling:
- Finely chop the onion and garlic. Onions add a sweet and savory base to the filling, while garlic enhances the overall flavor.
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add the spinach to the skillet. Cook until wilted, stirring occasionally. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Spinach is packed with nutrients and adds a vibrant green color to the filling.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Transfer the spinach mixture to a bowl and stir in the cream cheese until well combined. The cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to the filling.
3. Preparing the Béchamel Sauce:
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. The butter serves as the base for the béchamel sauce.
- Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste, or roux. Cook the roux for about 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. The milk and roux combine to create a creamy, smooth sauce.
- Season the béchamel with salt and a pinch of nutmeg to taste. Nutmeg adds a warm, subtle flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Assembling the Pancakes:
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Take one pancake and place a generous spoonful of the spinach and cream cheese filling in the center.
- Roll up the pancake and place it seam-side down in a baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining pancakes and filling.
- Pour the béchamel sauce over the rolled pancakes, ensuring they are well covered.
- Grate the cheese and sprinkle it evenly over the top. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, golden crust.
5. Baking the Pancakes:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these delicious spinach pancakes with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- They also pair well with a light, tangy yogurt or sour cream dip.
- For an extra touch, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill.
Cooking Tips:
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them combine more easily and evenly.
- Consistency of Batter: The pancake batter should be slightly runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more warm water.
- Preventing Lumps: When adding the flour to the batter, sift it to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth mixture.
- Spinach Tips: If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- Béchamel Sauce: Whisk constantly while making the béchamel sauce to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and forming lumps.
Nutritional Benefits:
These spinach pancakes are not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits:
- Spinach: Rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and magnesium. Spinach is known for its numerous health benefits, including supporting bone health and boosting the immune system.
- Eggs: Provide high-quality protein and essential nutrients like vitamins B12 and D.
- Milk: A good source of calcium, which is essential for healthy bones and teeth.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a dose of protein and healthy fats to the filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Versatility: These pancakes are perfect for any meal of the day and can be easily adapted to suit your preferences.
- Flavor: The combination of savory spinach, creamy cheese, and rich béchamel sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is simply irresistible.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and protein, these pancakes are as nutritious as they are delicious.
- Comfort Food: The creamy, cheesy filling and sauce make these pancakes the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any time you need a cozy meal.
Dietary Information:
- Vegetarian: This recipe is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat products.
- Nutrient-Dense: High in essential vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
Why This Recipe Works:
This recipe combines simple, everyday ingredients in a way that elevates them to something special. The light and fluffy pancakes serve as the perfect base for the creamy spinach filling, while the béchamel sauce adds a layer of richness and depth. Baking the assembled pancakes with a cheesy topping ensures a golden, bubbly finish that is both visually appealing and delicious. The balance of flavors and textures in this dish is what makes it so satisfying and memorable.
Conclusion:
These spinach pancakes with creamy filling and béchamel sauce are sure to become a favorite in your household. Their delicious flavor, combined with their nutritional benefits and easy preparation, makes them a go-to dish for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and enjoy the wonderful combination of flavors and textures that make this dish truly special. With each bite, you’ll understand why these pancakes are a dish you could enjoy every day without ever getting tired of them.