Naleśniki
Polish Crepes
Naleśniki are thin Polish crepes, similar to French crêpes, that can be filled with a variety of sweet or savory ingredients. They are a versatile and beloved dish in Polish cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 200 g All-purpose flour(Sifted for a smoother batter.)
- 500 ml Milk(Whole milk is recommended for richness, but 2% or skim can be used.)
- 3 Eggs(Large eggs.)
- 300 g Twaróg (Polish farmer's cheese)(For the classic sweet filling. Can be substituted with ricotta or quark if unavailable, though the flavor will differ. Often mashed with sugar, vanilla, and egg yolk for a sweet filling.)
- 2-3 tbsp Butter(Unsalted butter, for greasing the pan. You can also use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.)
- 1/4 tsp Salt(Enhances flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Sugar(Optional, for a slightly sweeter batter.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted flour and salt. Make a well in the center. Crack the eggs into the well and add the optional sugar. Gradually whisk the eggs into the flour, starting from the center and working outwards, until a thick paste forms. Slowly pour in about half of the milk while whisking continuously to create a smooth, lump-free batter. Once smooth, whisk in the remaining milk until the batter is thin and pourable, similar to heavy cream. Let the batter rest for at least 10-15 minutes at room temperature to allow the gluten to relax, which results in more tender crepes.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Cook the naleśniki: Heat a non-stick crepe pan or a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. The pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates quickly. Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of butter or oil, wiping away any excess with a paper towel. Pour about 1/4 cup (60ml) of batter into the hot pan, immediately tilting and swirling the pan to spread the batter thinly and evenly across the entire surface. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the edges begin to lift and the bottom is lightly golden brown. Carefully flip the crepe using a spatula and cook the other side for another 30-60 seconds until lightly golden. Slide the cooked crepe onto a plate. Repeat with the remaining batter, greasing the pan lightly between crepes as needed. Stack the cooked crepes on the plate; the residual heat will keep them warm and pliable.
⏱️ 30 minutes - 3
Prepare the filling (if using Twaróg): While the crepes are cooking or after they are done, prepare your filling. For a classic sweet Twaróg filling, mash the Twaróg cheese in a bowl with a fork. Stir in a tablespoon or two of sugar (to taste), a pinch of vanilla extract, and optionally, one egg yolk for richness and binding. Mix until well combined and creamy. Adjust sweetness as desired.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 4
Fill and serve: Lay a warm naleśnik flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin layer of your chosen filling (sweet Twaróg, jam, fruit, or savory filling like sautéed mushrooms or spinach) over one half or the entire surface of the crepe. Fold the crepe in half, then in half again to form a triangle, or roll it up like a cigar. Serve immediately. Naleśniki are delicious served plain with a dusting of powdered sugar, or with a drizzle of fruit sauce, sour cream, or yogurt.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For the thinnest crepes, ensure your batter is very fluid and the pan is adequately hot. A ladle size of about 1/4 cup (60ml) is a good starting point for batter quantity.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan. Cook one crepe at a time for best results.
- ✓If the first crepe isn't perfect, don't worry! It's often a test crepe to get the pan temperature and batter consistency just right.
- ✓Naleśniki can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for a day or two. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
- ✓Experiment with different fillings! Popular sweet options include fruit preserves, fresh berries, sweetened cheese, or chocolate spread. Savory fillings can include sautéed mushrooms, spinach and cheese, or seasoned ground meat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Sweet Naleśniki with strawberry jam and a dollop of whipped cream.
- Savory Naleśniki filled with sautéed mushrooms and onions, topped with sour cream.
- Naleśniki filled with spinach and feta cheese, baked briefly until golden.
- Naleśniki with sweetened Twaróg and raisins, served with a fruit compote.