Crêpes are an ultra-thin pancake common in France that can be made sweet or savory, typically rolled or folded with a variety of fillings from jam or Nutella to ham and cheese to seafood.
A quick world tour…
Everyone who traveled a little will tell you the same thing : crepes can be found all around the world. But they are made with very different types of flour ! The basic principle if really simple : it consists in cooking a blend of cereals and water on a hot surface which, once hardened, is usually garnished before being folded and ready to eat.
- In China, there are crepes made with rice flour.
- In South America maize flour is used to make tortillas, whereas in India dosas are made of chickpea or lent flour.
- In Europe and Russia, buckwheat flour is used.
- But it is certainly wheat flour that is found in most countries : in North America (pancakes), in Europe and Japan (crepes, piadinas, etc.), in Northern Africa (“msemen”).
Crepes are made of a blend of eggs, melted butter, milk and wheat flour. The resulting batter is used to make savory crepes, for example those garnished with ham and cheese. In order to make sweet crepes, all you need is add a little sugar and flavor to the batter. This variety of crepes can be filled with chocolate, jam or honey.
Traditionally-made crepes are paper-thin and made of salted butter so as to become crispy on the edges while remaining soft in the center. Their color is yellow, with browning.
Savoury crepes (called “galettes in French) are made solely of water, salt and buckwheat flour. This variety of batter is gluten-free. They are more savory than crepes and their color is brown. Galettes are generally filled with salty ingredients, although salted butter caramel can also be used. You can tell a galette from a crepe thanks to the holes that are due to the fermenting of the batter. Traditionally-made galettes are made of salted butter too.
How to make Crepes | French Crepe Recipe
FAQ
What is the French version of a pancake?
What do French people call American pancakes?
Does crepe mean pancake in French?
What is the difference between a galette and a crepe?
What is a thin French pancake called?
A thin French pancake is also known as a crêpe (pronounced Kr-ehp in French) with an English spelling of crepe (pronounced as krayp ). Savory French pancakes in northwestern France are often referred to as galettes de sarrasin or in English as buckwheat crepe s. What is the Difference Between French Crepes and Pancakes?
What are French pancakes & crêpes?
French pancakes or crêpes are one of France’s culinary masterpieces! They are thinner than American pancakes and typically stuffed with delicious sweet or savory fillings. Perfect for breakfast, brunch or dessert! To a large bowl, add the flour, milk, eggs, sugar, salt, butter and vanilla.
Are French pancakes sweet or savory?
French pancakes are usually filled or topped with tasty ingredients which can be sweet or savory. Sweet crepes are usually eaten for breakfast or as a dessert and usually include fruit, chocolate, powdered sugar or whipped cream. One of the most popular sweet crepes includes Nutella, strawberries and bananas.
What is a cake with crêpes called?
It is a modern variation of an Indian dish called Thalipeeth . A cake made with layers of crêpes with a filling in between is called “gâteau de crêpes” or “ミルクレープ (mille-crêpes)” (a Japanese-made French word combining crêpes and mille-feuille ).