Get ready to transport your taste buds to the heart of Hungary with this mouthwatering Palacsinta recipe that will make your kitchen smell like a European dream! These delicate, paper-thin crepes filled with luscious sweet cheese are about to become your new obsession - a dessert so incredible, you'll want to master it immediately. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a curious culinary adventurer, this traditional Hungarian delicacy promises to elevate your cooking skills and impress everyone at your table.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: Hungarian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar. Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients.
- Crack the eggs into the well and begin whisking, gradually incorporating the flour from the sides of the bowl.
- Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to whisk, ensuring a smooth batter with no lumps. The consistency should be thin and similar to heavy cream.
- Let the batter rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to allow the flour to fully absorb the liquid and any bubbles to settle.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the sweet cheese filling by mixing ricotta cheese, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and well combined.
- Heat a non-stick skillet or crepe pan over medium heat. Lightly grease the pan with butter or oil.
- Pour a small amount of batter (about 1/4 cup) into the pan, quickly tilting and rotating to spread the batter evenly and thinly across the bottom.
- Cook the palacsinta for approximately 1-2 minutes until the edges become golden and the surface looks dry.
- Carefully flip the palacsinta using a thin spatula and cook the other side for about 30 seconds.
- Remove the palacsinta from the pan and place on a plate. Repeat the process with remaining batter, stacking the crepes between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- To fill, spread a thin layer of the sweet cheese mixture on each palacsinta, then roll or fold into desired shape.
- Optionally, dust with powdered sugar or serve with fruit compote for additional flavor.
Tips
- Batter Consistency is Key: Ensure your batter is ultra-smooth and has a thin, cream-like texture. Let it rest for 15-20 minutes to allow the flour to fully absorb the liquid.
- Pan Temperature Matters: Use a non-stick skillet or crepe pan on medium heat. The pan should be hot enough to cook quickly but not so hot that it burns the delicate crepe.
- Swirl Technique: Practice the quick wrist motion of tilting and rotating the pan to spread the batter evenly - this creates those beautifully thin crepes.
- Prevent Sticking: Always use parchment paper between stacked crepes to keep them from clumping together.
- Filling Options: While sweet cheese is traditional, feel free to experiment with other fillings like jam, chocolate, or even savory options.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Palacsinta can be prepared in advance and reheated, making them perfect for entertaining or meal prep.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 80mg
