Ukrainian Nalysnyky
Ukrainian Nalysnyky are thin crepes with a versatile batter made from basic ingredients. The batter, a blend of flour, milk, eggs, salt, and a touch of sugar or salt depending on the desired filling, is rested and then cooked to perfection in a skillet. The crepes can be filled with either sweet options like cottage cheese, jam, or fruit preserves, or savory choices like ground meat, sautéed mushrooms, and onions. Once filled, they are rolled into neat cylinders, creating a delightful and customizable breakfast treat. Whether sweet or savory, Nalysnyky showcase the Ukrainian culinary tradition of combining simplicity with a rich array of flavors.
**Ingredients:**
*For the Crepes:*
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar (for sweet crepes) or a pinch of salt (for savory crepes)
- Butter or oil for cooking
*For the Filling:*
- **Sweet Filling:** Cottage cheese, jam, fruit preserves, or sweetened farmer's cheese.
- **Savory Filling:** Ground meat, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and herbs.
**Instructions:**
**Making the Crepes:**
1. In a blender, combine the flour, milk, eggs, salt, and sugar (for sweet crepes) or a pinch of salt (for savory crepes). Blend until the batter is smooth.
2. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes to allow it to thicken.
3. Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Brush the pan with a small amount of butter or oil.
4. Pour a ladleful of batter into the center of the pan, swirling it around to spread it thinly and evenly.
5. Cook the crepe for about 1-2 minutes until the edges start to lift and the bottom is lightly browned. Flip the crepe and cook the other side for an additional 1-2 minutes.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, brushing the pan with butter or oil before each crepe.
**Filling and Rolling:**
1. For sweet nalysnyky, spread cottage cheese, jam, or sweetened farmer's cheese on one side of the crepe. Fold the sides and roll it into a neat cylinder.
2. For savory nalysnyky, fill with a mixture of cooked ground meat, sautéed mushrooms, onions, and herbs. Roll it up like a burrito.
3. Serve nalysnyky warm, and for a sweet touch, you can sprinkle powdered sugar on top of sweet nalysnyky.
Enjoy these Ukrainian nalysnyky for a delicious and versatile breakfast!