Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils

Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils Recipe from China | Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the flavors of savory scallions, earthy red lentils, and a tangy sesame sauce all wrapped up in a light and fluffy crepe. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and is sure to impress your family and friends.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on traditional Chinese scallion pancakes, which are a popular street food in China. By adding red lentils and a sesame sauce, this dish takes on a new flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

0.33 cup egg whites (2.5 large)
0.75 cup soy milk
1.5 tsp honey
1.5 tsp dark sesame oil
0.5 tsp sugar
2 scallions, thinly sliced
0.5 cup all-purpose flour
vegetable oil for brushing pan
1 tbsp sesame seeds
0.25 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch
1 cup red lentils, rinsed

How to prepare

In a medium saucepan, combine lentils and 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the lentils are just tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
Drain the lentils and transfer them to a medium bowl. Set aside.
While the lentils are cooking, prepare the crepes.
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites and soy milk until well combined.
Whisk in the honey, 1 tsp of sesame oil, sugar, and scallions.
Gradually whisk in the flour until smooth.
Heat a large nonstick skillet or griddle over low heat.
Brush the skillet with a little vegetable oil.
When the pan is hot, pour 3 tbsp of batter into the center of the pan and quickly rotate the pan to spread the batter evenly.
Cook until holes appear on top and the underside is light golden brown, about 1 minute.
Turn the crepe and cook for 1 minute more.
Transfer the crepe to a platter or a sheet of waxed paper. Do not stack them.
Repeat with the remaining batter to make 8 crepes, brushing the pan with more vegetable oil between batches. Set aside.
In a small nonstick skillet, cook the sesame seeds over low heat, stirring often, until lightly toasted, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Remove the skillet from heat.
In a medium bowl, mix together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, lemon juice, cornstarch, and the remaining 0.5 tsp of sesame oil. Add this mixture to the toasted sesame seeds.
Return the skillet to medium heat and cook, stirring, until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens slightly, about 1 minute.
Immediately pour the mixture over the lentils and stir to combine.
Fill each crepe with 0.25 cup of the lentil mixture, roll them up, and serve immediately.

Variations

Add diced vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to the lentil mixture for added texture and flavor.
Substitute the red lentils with green lentils or chickpeas for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cook the lentils until they are just tender to ensure they have the perfect texture in the final dish.

- Be sure to spread the crepe batter evenly in the pan to ensure a uniform thickness.

- Toasting the sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor to the dish, so be sure not to skip this step.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the lentils until just tender to ensure they are not mushy in the final dish.

- Cooking the crepes on low heat ensures they cook evenly and do not burn.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular milk instead of soy milk if you do not have any dietary restrictions.

- Substitute agave nectar for honey if you prefer a vegan option.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the lentil mixture and crepes ahead of time and assemble them just before serving for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils on a platter and garnish with extra scallions and sesame seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair this dish with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a side of pickled vegetables for a balanced meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover crepes and lentil mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron, folate, and vitamin C from the red lentils and scallions.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils is a balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Scallion Crêpes with Red Lentils is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds and keep you feeling full and satisfied. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe. It was a warm summer day, the sun shining brightly through the kitchen window as I stood over the stove, flipping a batch of scallion crêpes with red lentils. The aroma of the dish filled the room, and I couldn't help but smile as I recalled the story behind this particular recipe.

It all started many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a formidable woman, known throughout the village for her culinary skills and her generous spirit. I would spend hours by her side, watching as she effortlessly whipped up delicious meals for our family and friends.

One day, as I sat at the kitchen table, my grandmother pulled out an old, worn cookbook from the shelf. She flipped through the pages, her fingers tracing the faded words as she searched for a particular recipe. Finally, she found it - scallion crêpes with red lentils.

"This is a special recipe," she said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I learned it from a wise old man who traveled the world in search of the perfect flavors. He passed it on to me, and now I pass it on to you."

With that, she set to work, teaching me the secrets of the dish. The crêpes were light and fluffy, the red lentils creamy and flavorful. But it was the scallions that truly made the dish shine, adding a fresh, aromatic element that elevated the flavors to new heights.

As I watched my grandmother cook, I soaked up every detail, every technique, every ingredient. I knew that this recipe was special, a treasure to be cherished and passed down through the generations. And so, I made a promise to myself that day - to master the art of making scallion crêpes with red lentils, just like my grandmother had done.

Over the years, I honed my skills, experimenting with different variations of the recipe, adding my own twist here and there. I shared the dish with friends and family, who raved about its deliciousness and begged me for the recipe. And each time I cooked it, I felt a connection to my grandmother, a sense of pride in carrying on her legacy.

Now, as I stand in my own kitchen, flipping another batch of scallion crêpes with red lentils, I can't help but think of all the memories tied to this dish. The laughter shared around the table, the stories told over steaming plates of food, the love and warmth that filled our home.

And as I take a bite of the savory crêpe, savoring the flavors that dance on my tongue, I know that this recipe will always hold a special place in my heart. It is more than just a dish - it is a symbol of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing good food with those we love.

So, here's to you, dear reader. May you savor every bite of this delicious recipe, and may it bring you as much happiness as it has brought me over the years. And who knows, perhaps one day you will pass it on to the next generation, just as my grandmother did for me.