Slane Palačinke sa Sirom i Pršutom
Savory Montenegrin Crepes with Cheese and Prosciutto
These are not your typical thin crepes. Slane Palačinke in Montenegro are thick, pancake-like creations filled with savory ingredients like prosciutto and cheese, then rolled, breaded, and fried to a golden crisp. Served with a side of sour cream and fresh vegetables, they offer a unique and satisfying taste of Montenegrin comfort food.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g All-purpose flour
- 2 large Eggs
- 300 ml Milk
- 100 ml Water
- 1 tsp Salt
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(for the batter, plus more for frying)
- 150 g Montenegrin prosciutto (Njeguški pršut)(thinly sliced)
- 150 g White cheese (like feta or a mild local cheese)(crumbled)
- 2 large Eggs(for breading)
- 150 g Breadcrumbs(for breading)
- for serving Sour cream
- for serving Fresh vegetables (e.g., tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, eggs, milk, water, salt, and 2 tbsp of vegetable oil until smooth and lump-free. The batter should be thicker than traditional crepe batter, more like pancake batter.
💡 Tip: Let the batter rest for 15-20 minutes for a better texture. - 2
Cook the pancakes: Heat a lightly oiled non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Pour about 1/2 cup of batter for each pancake and spread it evenly to form thick pancakes, about 15-20 cm in diameter. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
💡 Tip: You may need to adjust the heat to prevent burning. - 3
Assemble the fillings: Lay each cooked pancake flat. Place a slice of prosciutto and a sprinkle of crumbled cheese on one half of each pancake.
💡 Tip: Ensure the filling is not too close to the edges to prevent it from leaking out. - 4
Roll and bread: Fold the unfilled half of the pancake over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Then, roll this up tightly. Prepare two shallow bowls: one with beaten eggs and another with breadcrumbs. Dip each rolled pancake first into the egg, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- 5
Fry the rolls: Heat about 2-3 cm of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the breaded rolls for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
💡 Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. - 6
Serve: Drain the fried rolls on paper towels. Serve immediately with a dollop of sour cream and a side of fresh vegetables.
💡 Tip: These are best enjoyed fresh and hot.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The thickness of the pancake is key here; it should be substantial enough to hold the filling and breading.
- ✓Using a good quality, thinly sliced prosciutto will enhance the flavor significantly.
- ✓If you can't find Montenegrin cheese, a firm feta or a mild goat cheese can be a good alternative.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add some sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
- For a meatier version, add finely chopped cooked chicken or ham.
- Serve with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory contrast.