Authentic Naleśniki Recipe Poland, Europe
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Introduction & history
Similar to French crêpe, Polish naleśniki are thin pancakes meant to be filled and rolled and can be either sweet or savory, depending on the filling. The batter for the pancakes is made with flour, eggs, milk, water (preferably carbonated), and a pinch of salt, while optional ingredients include sugar, and oil or butter, in which case the pan for frying usually does not have to be greased. Typical sweet fillings include jams, preserves, fruit, and cheese, while savory naleśniki can be filled with cheese, meat, mushrooms, or sauerkraut. Once filled, the pancake is rolled or folded into a triangle and can be, in some cases, either shortly fried until golden or baked in the oven. Naleśniki can be served drizzled with honey or syrup, topped with fruits, or sprinkled with confectioners' sugar, and should be eaten while still warm.
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Cooking tips
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batter
It's necessary that the batter has the right consistency or it will not cook properly. Depending on whether the batter is too thick or too thin, you may need to add more flour or water, however, do so in small batches. It's important to rest the batter at room temperature for a minimum of 20-30 minutes so that any lumps left can dissolve. The rested batter will produce thinner, tender pancakes. -
make ahead
The batter can be made in advance. If kept covered in the refrigerator it will keep for up to three days. -
additional ingredients
Although the basic batter is made only with flour, eggs, milk, and water, recipes will often include ingredients such as carbonated water to make the pancakes softer and fluffier, and oil which helps to make the pancakes more pliable but also cuts on the amount of oil needed for greasing the pan. Sugar is also often included, especially if the pancakes are meant to be eaten as a dessert. However, ... Read more -
method
Once you pour the batter into the pan, swirl the pan to help the batter spread. During cooking, the pancake may stick to the pan, so to loosen it, go around its edges with a spatula. Once you flip the pancake, the other side will need less time to cook. Stack the finished pancakes and keep them warm until you make the rest of the pancakes and are ready to fill them. -
equipment
You can use almost any type of frying pan, although a non-stick pan does make a difference. Not only will you need less oil for greasing, but the pancakes will also be less prone to sticking to the surface. -
reheating
You can reheat the pancakes either in the microwave or the oven. To reheat in the oven, arrange the pancakes on a baking paper-lined tray, then cover the tray with foil and put in the oven preheated to 180°C/355°F for 5-10 minutes, just until warm. -
serving
Naleśniki is a typical Polish breakfast dish, but because the pancakes are so quick to prepare, they can be eaten for any meal of the day.
Recipe variations
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Naleśniki with Cottage Cheese Filling
Ready in 1h 30minThis recipe gives instructions on how to prepare blintzes — naleśniki with a cottage cheese filling. The first step is to make the pancakes, then fill them with cottage cheese and fry them in butter on both sides. When done, serve them topped with fresh or canned fruits or whipped cream and drizzled with honey or agave syrup.
Naleśniki
PREP 10min
COOK 20min
READY IN 30min
This recipe gives instructions on how to prepare the basic and traditional naleśniki. If meant to be eaten as a dessert, you can add a teaspoon of sugar to the batter, but that's only optional.
Ingredients
1 cup (120g) flour
2 eggs
1 cup (240 ml) milk
3/4 cup (180 ml) water (preferably carbonated)
pinch of salt
1 tsp sugar, optional
3 tbsp butter or vegetable oil
Preparation
Add flour, eggs, milk, water, and salt in a large bowl then mix with a hand mixer until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
At this point, mix in the butter or the vegetable oil. Alternatively, you can use them to grease the pan before frying each pancake.
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat, then pour in the batter, swirling the pan to help it spread.
When the pancake starts pulling away a bit from the sides, and the top is no longer wet, flip it and cook shortly on the other side as well.
Transfer to a plate. Cook the remaining batter until all used up.
Serve warm, with the filling of your choice.
Other Variations
-
Naleśniki with Cottage Cheese Filling
Ready in 1h 30minThis recipe gives instructions on how to prepare blintzes — naleśniki with a cottage cheese filling. The first step is to make the pancakes, then fill them with cottage cheese and fry them in butter on both sides. When done, serve them topped with fresh or canned fruits or whipped cream and drizzled with honey or agave syrup.
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