Cheese and dill pancakes gratin

Cheese and dill gratin pancakes

Who doesn't love pancakes? These fine, versatile, and easy-to-make delights are a perfect choice for any meal of the day, whether we're talking about a hearty breakfast, a quick lunch, or a comforting dinner. Cheese and dill gratin pancakes are a savory option that combines the fluffy texture of pancakes with a creamy cheese filling, bringing a touch of freshness with the addition of fresh dill. Moreover, preparing them is a true pleasure, and the final result will surely impress family and friends.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 6-8 servings

Ingredients

For the pancakes:
- 2 eggs
- 300 ml milk
- 200 g flour (about 2 cups)
- 300 ml sparkling water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2-3 tablespoons oil (for cooking)

For the filling:
- 300 g cottage cheese
- 200 g sour cream
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
- ½ teaspoon salt

For the gratin:
- 50 g butter
- 200 ml liquid cream
- 100 g grated cheese

Preparation

1. Preparing the pancake batter: In a large bowl, beat the two eggs with a mixer until frothy. Gradually add the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Then, incorporate the flour and salt, continuing to mix. The last ingredient to add is the sparkling water; this will help achieve airy and fluffy pancakes. Mix well, ensuring no flour remains. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and let the batter rest for 15 minutes.

2. Cooking the pancakes: Heat a special pancake pan or a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Grease the pan with a little oil after making the first two pancakes. Use a small ladle to pour the batter into the pan, rotating it to evenly distribute the mixture. Cook the pancakes for 1 minute on each side or until golden. This recipe should yield about 12 pancakes, enough to feed the whole family.

3. Preparing the filling: Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the sour cream, the two beaten eggs, salt, and the finely chopped fresh dill. This mixture will add a flavorful taste and creamy texture to your pancakes.

4. Assembling the pancakes: Grease a baking dish with 25 g of the total butter. Place the pancakes side by side, filling them with the cheese mixture. You can choose to wrap them into parcels; for this, place the filling in the center of the pancake, bring the two sides towards the center, and roll.

5. Preparing for gratin: After filling all the pancakes, place them in the dish and sprinkle the remaining diced butter on top. Pour the liquid cream evenly over the pancakes and sprinkle the grated cheese, which will add a delicious, golden crust.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Place the dish in the oven and let the pancakes bake for 30 minutes or until they are golden and bubbly.

7. Serving: Cheese and dill gratin pancakes are served warm, and can be accompanied by a red cabbage salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, which will add a note of freshness and balance the richness of the filling.

Practical tips and variations

- If you want to add a personal touch, you can replace the cottage cheese with feta or mozzarella, depending on your preferences.
- Dill can be replaced with other fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, to slightly change the flavors.
- Instead of liquid cream, you can use thicker sour cream for a more intense flavor.
- If you want a lighter version, you can skip the cheese on top and serve the pancakes with a fresh salad and a yogurt sauce.

Nutritional benefits

Cheese and dill gratin pancakes are a good source of protein from eggs and cheese, and dill adds a boost of vitamins and minerals. Additionally, whole wheat flour can be used instead of white flour, providing a greater intake of fiber and nutrients.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I prepare the pancakes a day in advance?
Yes, you can make the pancakes a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, fill and bake them directly from the fridge.

2. Can I freeze the pancakes?
Yes, pancakes can be frozen. Place them in an airtight container, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

3. What can I substitute for sparkling water?
If you don't have sparkling water, you can use milk or regular water, but sparkling water adds a fluffier texture to the pancakes.

In conclusion, cheese and dill gratin pancakes are not just a delicious dish but also a wonderful way to bring friends and family together around the table. Whether you enjoy them as an appetizer or a main course, these pancakes with a rich filling will surely become a favorite for everyone. So put on your apron and let's cook together!

 Ingredients: 2 eggs, 2 cups flour - 200 g, 2 cups milk - 300 ml, 2 cups mineral water - 300 ml, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2-3 tablespoons oil. 300 g cottage cheese, 200 g sour cream, 2 eggs, 3 tablespoons fresh dill, 1/2 teaspoon salt. 50 g butter, 200 ml liquid cream, 100 g cheese.