Punjene Palačinke

Introduction

Punjene Palačinke, also known as stuffed crepes, is a traditional Croatian dish that is both delicious and satisfying. These savory crepes are filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, tomatoes, and spices, then topped with a creamy yogurt and cheese sauce. This dish is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner.

History

Punjene Palačinke has been a popular dish in Croatia for generations. It is often served at family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. The combination of tender crepes filled with a savory meat mixture and topped with a creamy sauce is a true comfort food that is loved by many.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the ground meat thoroughly before filling the crepes to ensure that it is fully cooked.

- Be sure to season the meat mixture well with herbs and spices to enhance the flavor of the dish.

- When filling the crepes, be careful not to overfill them, as this can make them difficult to roll up.

- To make the yogurt sauce extra creamy, be sure to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form before folding them into the mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Punjene Palačinke can be served as a main dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It pairs well with a glass of red wine or a refreshing cucumber salad.

Cooking Techniques

To make the crepes, you can use a non-stick skillet or a crepe pan. Be sure to swirl the batter around the pan to create a thin, even layer.

- When filling the crepes, spoon the meat mixture onto the center of each crepe and roll them up tightly.

- To make the yogurt sauce, be sure to beat the egg whites until soft peaks form before folding them into the yogurt mixture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Balkan-style yogurt is not available, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute.

- You can use ground chicken or turkey instead of ground meat for a lighter version of this dish.

- Instead of parmesan cheese, you can use feta cheese or mozzarella cheese for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat mixture and yogurt sauce ahead of time and assemble the crepes just before baking. This dish can also be assembled and refrigerated overnight before baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Punjene Palačinke on a platter garnished with fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill. You can also sprinkle some extra grated cheese on top for a finishing touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Punjene Palačinke pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of sautéed spinach. It also goes well with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Punjene Palačinke can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the crepes in a preheated oven at 350°F (177°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Punjene Palačinke contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Punjene Palačinke contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Punjene Palačinke contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Punjene Palačinke contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Punjene Palačinke is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (yogurt, cheese) and eggs.

Summary

Punjene Palačinke is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious meal option.

Summary

Punjene Palačinke is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy family dinner. With its tender crepes, savory meat filling, and creamy yogurt sauce, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I have a clear memory of the first time I saw this recipe for Punjene Palačinke. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in the small village of my grandmother in Croatia. The smell of fresh herbs and spices filled the air as I walked into her cozy kitchen, where she was busy preparing a batch of these delicious stuffed pancakes.

My grandmother was a master in the kitchen, and she had learned her culinary skills from her own mother and grandmother before her. She had a vast collection of recipes passed down through the generations, each one carefully written on stained and tattered sheets of paper. I would often sit with her at the kitchen table, watching as she worked her magic with simple ingredients to create mouthwatering dishes that would make your taste buds sing.

On this particular day, she had invited me to help her make Punjene Palačinke. I had never heard of them before, but as she explained the recipe to me, I could see the twinkle in her eye that told me this was going to be something special.

To make the pancakes, we first whipped up a simple batter of flour, milk, eggs, and a pinch of salt. My grandmother showed me how to ladle the batter onto a hot griddle, swirling it around to create thin, delicate pancakes that would be the perfect vessel for the savory filling.

While the pancakes cooked, my grandmother began to prepare the filling. She sautéed onions, garlic, and ground meat in a skillet until they were golden brown and fragrant. Then she added a handful of chopped herbs and spices – parsley, dill, paprika, and a touch of cinnamon – that filled the kitchen with an intoxicating aroma.

Once the filling was ready, my grandmother showed me how to spoon a generous dollop onto each pancake and roll them up into neat little bundles. She then placed them in a baking dish, smothered them in a rich tomato sauce, and sprinkled them with a handful of grated cheese before popping them in the oven to bake until golden and bubbly.

As we waited for the Punjene Palačinke to cook, my grandmother regaled me with stories of her own childhood in the village, of lazy summer days spent in the fields picking wild herbs and berries, and of long winter nights gathered around the hearth, sharing stories and laughter with family and friends.

Finally, the timer dinged, and my grandmother pulled the dish of steaming hot Punjene Palačinke from the oven. The cheese was melted and gooey, the tomato sauce bubbled and caramelized, and the aroma that wafted through the kitchen was enough to make my stomach growl in anticipation.

We sat down at the table, and my grandmother served up the pancakes with a side of fresh salad and a crusty loaf of bread. The first bite was a revelation – the pancakes were tender and light, the filling was savory and fragrant, and the combination of flavors and textures was nothing short of divine.

As we ate, my grandmother told me that this recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, originating in the rural villages of Croatia where simple, hearty fare was the order of the day. She had learned it from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her, and so on, all the way back to the ancestors who had first settled in the village centuries ago.

I savored every bite of those Punjene Palačinke, not just for their delicious taste, but for the history and tradition that they represented. They were more than just a meal – they were a connection to my past, a link to my family's heritage, and a testament to the enduring power of food to bring people together and create memories that last a lifetime.

And so, whenever I make Punjene Palačinke now, I think of my grandmother and the lessons she taught me in the kitchen. I remember the stories she shared, the laughter we shared, and the love that went into every dish she prepared. And I am grateful for the gift of her recipes, which have enriched my life in ways that words can never fully express.

Categories

| Crêpe Recipes | Croatian Appetizers | Croatian Recipes | Parmesan Cheese Recipes | Slavic Recipes | Tomato Recipes | Yogurt Recipes |

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